Sterile
/ˈsterəl/adjective
Free from bacteria or other living microorganisms.
The wound was cleaned and dressed with sterile bandages
Often appears as...
- sterile conditions
- sterile bandages
Usage tips
Technical
Definition 1 of 5
Pro Tip 1/2Medical Cleanliness
Used for environments or tools that must have no microbes to prevent infection.
After the surgery, all instruments are kept in a sterile container.
Pro Tip 2/2Not Just Clean
'Sterile' implies a higher level of cleanliness than just 'clean' in medical contexts.
Surgeons wash their hands until they are sterile, not just clean.
Compare with
antisepticasepticbarrencleandryfruitlesshygienicinfertileproductive
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