Sterile

/ˈstɛɹaɪl/ · adjective

Meaning

(not comparable) Unable to reproduce (or procreate)..

Definitions by Sense

1. (not comparable) Unable to reproduce (or procreate).
2. (figurative) Terse; lacking sentiment or emotional stimulation, as in a manner of speaking.
3. (figurative) Fruitless, uninspiring, or unproductive.
4. Germless; free from all living or viable microorganisms.
5. Permanently uninhabitable (as in a planet like Earth) to all life, including even microbes.
6. Free from dangerous objects, as a zone in an airport that can be only be entered via a security checkpoint.
7. (US, military) Of weapons: foreign-made and untraceable to the United States.

Example Sentences

According to that Cabaliſticall Dogma: If Abram had not had this Letter [i.e., ה (he)] added unto his Name he had remained fruitleſſe, and without the power of generation: […] So that being ſterill before, he received the power of generation from that meaſure and manſion in the Archetype; and was made conformable unto Binah.

a sterile kitchen table

An early CIA decision was to bring war surplus in Europe to the United States, rather than let it fall into the hands of left-wing movements. Some of the guns would also, it was reasoned, be useful as "sterile" weapons (foreign-made and untraceable to the United States) to be provided secretly to foreign friends.

In addition to this rapid supply system, the US Army Counterinsurgency Support Office on Okinawa helped procure special equipment including rucksacks, special rations for irregular troops, 'sterile' weapons which could not be traced to the USA and other items not procurable through foreign channels.

Synonyms for sterile

Antonyms for sterile

Related Words

Word Forms

• more sterile
• most sterile

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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