sterile
sterile definition
ster·ile (ster′əl; Brit & Cdn, usually, -īl′)
adjective
- incapable of producing others of its kind; barren
- producing little or nothing; unfruitful sterile soil, a sterile policy
- lacking in interest or vitality; not stimulating or effective a sterile style
- free from living microorganisms; esp., aseptic
- Bot.
- unable or failing to bear fruit or spores, as a plant, or to germinate, as a seed
- 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
Related Forms:
- sterility ste·ril′·ity (stə ril′ ə tē) noun
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