sterilize

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ster·i·lize / ˈsterəˌlīz/ • v. [tr.] 1. make (something) free from bacteria or other living microorganisms: babies' feeding equipment can be cleaned and sterilized| [as adj.] (sterilized) sterilized jars. 2. (usu. be sterilized) deprive (a person or animal) of the ability to produce offspring, typically by removing or blocking the sex organs. ∎  make (land or water) unable to produce crops or support life.DERIVATIVES: ster·i·liz·a·ble adj.ster·i·li·za·tion / ˌsterəl(ə)ˈzāshən/ n.ster·i·liz·er n.

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