Dictionary Home »
Dictionary Definitions » sterilize
sterilize
transitive verb sterilized, sterilizing
to make sterile; specif.,
- to make incapable of producing others of its kind, as by removing the organs of reproduction or preventing them from functioning effectively
- to make (land) unproductive
- to free from living microorganisms, as by subjecting to great heat or chemical action
Also Chiefly Brit.sterilise
Related Forms:
- sterilization noun
- sterilizer noun
See sterilize in American Heritage Dictionary 4
Learn more about sterilize
link/cite print suggestion box