VocabDictionary

sterility

/stəˈrɪl.ə.ti/advanced Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

The state or condition of being incapable of producing offspring or reproducing.

Example Sentences:
  • Medical treatments are available to address certain causes of sterility in couples.
  • The disease can cause permanent sterility in livestock.
2.noun

The absence of all living microorganisms; aseptic condition.

Example Sentences:
  • Surgical instruments must be maintained in complete sterility to prevent infection.
  • The laboratory environment requires strict sterility during microbiological experiments.
3.noun

A lack of creativity, imagination, or emotional warmth; unproductiveness.

Example Sentences:
  • He criticized the bureaucratic sterility of the modern corporate office.
  • The novel was dismissed for the emotional sterility of its characters.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “sterility”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'sterilitas', from 'sterilis' meaning barren or unproductive. It entered the English language in the late 15th century, initially relating to the inability to produce offspring, and later expanded to include the absence of bacteria or microorganisms, as well as a lack of creativity or emotional warmth.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of 'sterile' (clean or barren) to easily remember that 'sterility' means the state of being completely clean or unable to produce life.

Frequently Asked Questions About “sterility

1. What is the meaning of “sterility” in English?

In English, sterility (noun) is defined as: “The state or condition of being incapable of producing offspring or reproducing.”.

2. How do you use “sterility” in a sentence?

Medical treatments are available to address certain causes of sterility in couples.

3. What are English synonyms of “sterility”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “sterility”?

Derived from the Latin 'sterilitas', from 'sterilis' meaning barren or unproductive. It entered the English language in the late 15th century, initially relating to the inability to produce offspring, and later expanded to include the absence of bacteria or microorganisms, as well as a lack of creativity or emotional warmth.