Noun: sterility stu'ri-li-tee
- (of non-living objects) the state of being free of pathogenic organisms
"The sterility of the surgical instruments was carefully maintained";
- asepsis, antisepsis, sterileness [rare]
- The state of being unable to produce offspring; in a woman it is an inability to conceive; in a man it is an inability to impregnate
"The couple sought treatment for sterility after trying to conceive for two years";
- infertility
Derived forms: sterilities
Type of: physical condition, physiological condition, physiological state, sanitariness
Antonym: fecundity
Encyclopedia: Sterility