sterilize

Word relationships

• autoclave: To sterilize specifically using high-pressure steam machinery.
• sanitize: Sanitizing reduces microorganisms to safe levels but does not destroy all resistant spores.

• contaminate: To pollute or introduce living germs to a clean item.
• pollute: To render dirty or harmful by introducing toxic or unwanted matter.

Commonly confused with

• disinfect: Disinfecting destroys active pathogens on objects, whereas sterilizing completely eradicates every living microbe and spore without exception.

Word family

• sterilization (noun): The absolute destruction of all living micro-organisms.
• sterile (adjective): Free from living bacteria or micro-organisms.

Collocations

• sterilize equipment
• sterilize with steam
• completely sterilize
• sterilize needles

Example sentences

• "Nurses use high-pressure steam autoclaves to sterilize surgical scalpels and clamps before procedures." Surgical preparation
• "If proper medical tools are unavailable, pass the metal needle through an open flame to sterilize it." Field first aid

Memory hook

STERILIZE leaves surfaces STERILE and bare of germs. 100 percent germ eradication.

When not to use

Do not say you 'sterilize' human skin before surgery, because living skin cannot tolerate complete microbial eradication without tissue destruction; skin is 'sanitized' or 'prepped with antiseptic'.

Fun facts

• Modern autoclaves sterilize medical equipment using pressurized steam heated to 121 degrees Celsius (250 Fahrenheit) for at least 15 minutes.

Related words

disinfect, antiseptic

Explore more words

sterile, incinerate, pristine, standardize, preserve, biodegradable

Also appears in

• Food Science & Culinary Craft → Fermentation & Preservation Techniques