noun
sterilization
noun
1
The process of killing off all germs and microorganisms on something.
"The hospital follows strict sterilization procedures for its instruments."
2
A medical procedure that permanently prevents someone (or an animal) from reproducing.
"The vet recommended sterilization to control the local cat population."
How to Use Sterilization
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither wiping out germs completely, or a procedure that permanently ends fertility.
Common pairings
heat sterilization
sterilization procedure
Word Forms
sterilizations plural
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The hospital follows strict _____ procedures for its instruments.
Etymology
From sterile plus the suffix -ization.