What does sterilized mean?
Sterilized describes something that has been treated so that harmful microorganisms are eliminated, as with medical instruments, laboratory glassware, or commercially prepared milk. The process may involve heat, chemicals, radiation, or filtration, depending on the material and the purpose. In reproductive contexts, sterilized also means rendered incapable of producing offspring. Figuratively, the word can describe a person, place, or artistic work that has been drained of vitality, creativity, or distinctive character. It is related to the older word sterile, but the forms are not always interchangeable: sterilized identifies something that has undergone a treatment, while sterile describes the resulting condition. The word is especially important in medicine, food production, and laboratory work, where the elimination of microorganisms helps prevent infection, disease, and decay.
Made free from harmful microorganisms; rendered free from contamination.
"The nurse placed the sterilized instruments on a clean tray."
Common in medicine, laboratories, and food processing. It can also mean incapable of reproduction or figuratively deprived of vitality.
To make something free from harmful microorganisms or otherwise render it sterile.
"The technician sterilized the glassware before beginning the experiment."
Usually transitive. In reproductive contexts, it means to render a person or animal incapable of producing offspring.
Sterilization made safe surgery and food preservation possible by removing the microorganisms that can cause disease and spoilage.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sterilized come from?
The word was formed in English from sterile, meaning free from microorganisms or incapable of reproduction, together with the suffix -ize, which indicates a process or action. The underlying adjective sterile comes through Latin sterilis, originally associated with barrenness and later extended to cleanliness and freedom from contamination. Related English forms include sterility and sterilization.
Related word forms
How sterilized is actually used
In technical and medical contexts, sterilized usually refers to a process that eliminates viable microorganisms. In figurative use, it often suggests that something has been weakened, drained of energy, or made bland. British and American usage are broadly similar.
Easily confused with sterilized
Sterile describes something already free from microorganisms or incapable of reproduction, whereas sterilized describes something that has been treated to make it sterile.