sterile

/ˈstɛɹaɪl/adjective

Completely free of germs and other living microorganisms.

Example sentences

“Surgical instruments must be kept sterile at all times.”
“The nurse covered the wound with a sterile bandage.”

Also means unable to produce offspring, and, figuratively, lifeless or unproductive: 'a sterile debate'.

Synonyms for sterile

sterilized
germ-free
aseptic

Antonyms

contaminated
unsterile

Related words

sanitaryClean and free from germs; relating to good hygiene.quarantineA period of keeping people, animals, or plants separated from others to stop a disease from spreading.epidemicAn outbreak of disease that spreads rapidly and affects large numbers of people at the same time.hygieneHabits and conditions that keep people clean and protect their health.pandemicA disease that spreads across many countries and infects a very large share of the population.sanitizeTo clean or disinfect something so that it is free of germs.