Noun: sterilization ,ste-ru-lu'zey-shun [N. Amer], ,ste-ru-lI'zey-shun [Brit]
- The procedure of making some object free of live bacteria or other microorganisms (usually by heat or chemical means)
"The surgical instruments underwent sterilization before the operation";
- sterilisation [Brit]
- The act of making an organism barren or infertile (unable to reproduce)
"Some individuals choose sterilization as a permanent form of birth control";
- sterilisation [Brit]
Derived forms: sterilizations
Type of: clean, cleaning, cleansing, cleanup, op [informal], operation, surgery, surgical operation, surgical procedure, surgical process
Encyclopedia: Sterilization, tubal