What does sterilization mean?
Sterilization is the process of making something free from viable microorganisms, including bacteria, spores, and other agents capable of causing disease or decay. It differs from ordinary cleaning and disinfection because it aims to eliminate microbial life rather than merely reduce or control it. Heat, radiation, chemicals, and filtration are among the methods used to sterilize equipment, food, and other materials. In medical contexts, sterilization also denotes a surgical procedure that permanently prevents reproduction, such as vasectomy in men or tubal ligation in women. The term can therefore refer either to a microbiological process or to a form of contraception, depending on context. In the microbiological sense, successful sterilization is distinguished from disinfection, which does not necessarily remove every microorganism.
nounThe process of making something free from microorganisms capable of causing disease or decay. In medicine, it also refers to a surgical procedure that permanently prevents a person from reproducing.
- The process of eliminating viable microorganisms from an object, substance, or environment.
- A surgical procedure or series of procedures that permanently prevents a person from being able to reproduce.
"The instruments undergo steam sterilization before each use."
"Heat is widely used for the sterilization of medical instruments."
"She discussed sterilization and other contraceptive options with her physician."
The plural is used for separate sterilization procedures or completed processes.
"The clinic performed several sterilizations that morning."
Sterilization means removing every viable microorganism—not merely making something look clean.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sterilization come from?
The word was formed in the early 19th century from the adjective sterile and the suffix -ation. Sterile comes through Old French from Latin sterilis, meaning “barren” or “unfruitful,” an origin that reflects its older association with infertility and later its application to matter free from living microorganisms. The modern sense referring to the destruction of microorganisms developed during the development of microbiology and antisepsis.
Related word forms
How sterilization is actually used
In microbiology, sterilization means the elimination of all viable microorganisms. In medicine, the term commonly denotes a surgical method of permanent contraception, though it is sometimes used more broadly for both permanent and reversible contraception.
Easily confused with sterilization
Sterility is the state of being free from microorganisms or biologically incapable of reproduction, whereas sterilization is the process that brings about such a condition.
Sanitation reduces or controls harmful microorganisms, while sterilization aims to eliminate all viable microorganisms from an object or environment.