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Definition of sterility

sterility

/stəˈrɪl.ə.ti/
ste · ril · i · ty
Adverb:sterilely
•
Plural:sterilities
•
Adjective:sterile
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sterility Lexical Profile

sterility Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The state or condition of being completely free from living bacteria, viruses, or other microorganisms.

Example

"Strict protocols are enforced in the operating room to maintain the complete sterility of all surgical instruments."

2

The biological inability to reproduce, conceive offspring, or produce viable seeds or fruit.

Example

"Hybrid animals such as mules typically exhibit natural sterility due to an uneven number of chromosomes."

3

A lack of imagination, creativity, emotional warmth, or intellectual vitality.

Example

"Critics complained about the emotional sterility of the minimalist office building."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for sterility

• Nearby Words

stereotypically
sterile
sterilely
sterility
sterilization
sterilize
sterilizer

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 14th century from Old French 'sterilite', which derived from Latin 'sterilitatem', from 'sterilis' meaning 'barren' or 'unfruitful'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Sterility. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/sterility
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