sterile

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ster|ile /st'eraɪl, AM -rəl/
1 [ADJ] usu ADJ n
Something that is sterile is completely clean and free from germs.
He always made sure that any cuts were protected by sterile dressings...
● sterility [N-UNCOUNT]
...the antiseptic sterility of the hospital.
2 [ADJ]
A person or animal that is sterile is unable to have or produce babies.
George was sterile.
...a sterile male.
● sterility [N-UNCOUNT]
This disease causes sterility in both males and females.
3 [ADJ] usu ADJ n
A sterile situation is lacking in energy and new ideas.
Too much time has been wasted in sterile debate.
● sterility [N-UNCOUNT]
...the sterility of Dorothea's life in industry.

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