sterilize
steri|lize /st'erɪlaɪz/ (sterilizes sterilizing sterilized)
in BRIT, also use sterilise
1 [VERB] V n
If you sterilize a thing or a place, you make it completely clean and free from germs.
Sulphur is also used to sterilize equipment...
● sterilization [N-UNCOUNT]
...the pasteurization and sterilization of milk.
2 [VERB] usu passive, be V-ed
If a person or an animal is sterilized, they have a medical operation that makes it impossible for them to have or produce babies.
My wife was sterilized after the birth of her fourth child.
● sterilization [N-VAR]
In some cases, a sterilization is performed through the vaginal wall.
in BRIT, also use sterilise
1 [VERB] V n
If you sterilize a thing or a place, you make it completely clean and free from germs.
Sulphur is also used to sterilize equipment...
● sterilization [N-UNCOUNT]
...the pasteurization and sterilization of milk.
2 [VERB] usu passive, be V-ed
If a person or an animal is sterilized, they have a medical operation that makes it impossible for them to have or produce babies.
My wife was sterilized after the birth of her fourth child.
● sterilization [N-VAR]
In some cases, a sterilization is performed through the vaginal wall.