adjective

1. incapable of producing others of its kind; barren
2. producing little or nothing; unfruitful sterile soil, a sterile policy
3. lacking in interest or vitality; not stimulating or effective a sterile style
4. free from living microorganisms; esp., aseptic
5. Bot.
   1. unable or failing to bear fruit or spores, as a plant, or to germinate, as a seed
   2. having stamens only, as a male flower, or having neither pistils nor stamens

Etymology: L sterilis < IE *ster-, barren (> Gr steira, barren, OE stierc, calf), special use of base *ster-, stiff, rigid > stare