sterilization
STEH-ruh-lih-ZAY-shun
/ˌstɛrəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/
The process of making something free from bacteria or other living microorganisms.
Implies the 100% destruction of all life forms, including spores.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'sterilis', meaning 'barren' or 'unfruitful'. In science, a sterilized environment is one that has been made 'barren' of all life, including even the smallest microbes.
Word relationships
- disinfection: Disinfection kills most germs but may not kill all spores; sterilization kills everything.
- contamination: The introduction of germs into a clean environment.
Commonly confused with
- pasteurization: Pasteurization is 'gentle' heat to kill pathogens; sterilization is 'extreme' to kill all life.
Word family
- sterile (adjective): Free from bacteria or other living microorganisms.
- sterilize (verb): To make something sterile.
Collocations
- complete sterilization
- heat sterilization
- sterilization process
- sterilization equipment
Example sentences
- "The sterilization of surgical instruments is a critical step in preventing post-operative infections." Hospital protocol
- "Commercial canning requires high-pressure sterilization to ensure the food is shelf-stable for years." Canning industry
Memory hook
Sterilization makes the germs 'sterile' so they can't reproduce. Barren of life.
When not to use
Do not use for simple cleaning or pasteurization; those do not kill all life.
Fun facts
- The first person to use heat for sterilization was likely Nicolas Appert, who invented canning for Napoleon's army.
Related words
Explore more words
sterilize, sterile, sterility, pasteurize, shelf-stable, decontamination
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