sterilization

/stɛrɪlaɪˈzeɪʃɪn/

/stɛrɪlaɪˈzeɪʃɪn/

Other forms: sterilizations

Definitions of sterilization

1. noun

   the procedure of making some object free of live bacteria or other microorganisms (usually by heat or chemical means)
   synonyms: sterilisation

   types:

   pasteurisation, pasteurization

   partial sterilization of foods at a temperature that destroys harmful microorganisms without major changes in the chemistry of the food

   type of:

   cleaning, cleansing, cleanup

   the act of making something clean
2. noun

   the act of making an organism barren or infertile (unable to reproduce)
   synonyms: sterilisation

   types:

   altering, fixing, neutering

   the sterilization of an animal

   surgical contraception

   contraception by surgical sterilization

   tubal ligation

   a sterilization procedure with women; both Fallopian tubes are tied in two places and the tubes removed in between the ligations

   castration, emasculation

   neutering a male animal by removing the testicles

   spaying

   neutering a female by removing the ovaries

   vasectomy

   surgical procedure that removes all or part of the vas deferens (usually as a means of sterilization); is sometimes reversible

   type of:

   operation, surgery, surgical operation, surgical procedure, surgical process

   a medical procedure involving an incision with instruments; performed to repair damage or arrest disease in a living body