sterilization

/,sterilai'zeiʃn/

Thân thiện

A nurse performs sterilization of medical instruments in an autoclave.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • The process of making an object free from live bacteria or other microorganisms: This refers to the procedure of eliminating all forms of microbial life, typically achieved through methods like heat, chemicals, or radiation.
   • The act of making an organism infertile: This refers to the process of rendering an organism incapable of reproduction.

Usage

• As a noun: The word "sterilization" is used to describe both a medical/industrial cleaning process and a biological procedure affecting reproduction. It is often used in scientific, medical, and public health contexts.
  • The sterilization of surgical instruments is a critical step in preventing infections.
  • Voluntary surgical sterilization is a form of permanent birth control.

Examples

• Medical/Industrial Context:
  • The sterilization of water supplies is essential for public health in many regions.
  • Dental tools undergo a rigorous sterilization cycle after each use.
• Biological/Reproductive Context:
  • The sterilization of invasive species is sometimes considered as a population control measure.
  • After her third child, she opted for sterilization.

Advanced Usage

• "Forced sterilization": A historical and ethical term referring to the compulsory sterilization of individuals, often against their will, as part of eugenics programs or population policies.
  • The country has apologized for its past policies of forced sterilization.
• "Sterilization protocol": A formal, step-by-step procedure for achieving sterility.
  • The laboratory follows a strict sterilization protocol for all biohazardous waste.

Variants and Related Words

• Sterilize (verb): To perform the act of sterilization.
  • You must sterilize the baby's bottles.
• Sterile (adjective):
  • Free from living microorganisms.

    • The wound must be kept sterile.
  • Incapable of producing offspring; infertile.

    • The mule is a sterile hybrid.
• Sterilant (noun): A substance or agent used to sterilize.
  • Ethylene oxide is a common gas sterilant.

Synonyms

• Disinfection: The process of cleaning to destroy harmful microorganisms, but not necessarily all microbial life (a less absolute process than sterilization).
• Decontamination: The process of making an area or object safe by removing or neutralizing contaminants.
• Infertility: The state of being unable to reproduce (a condition, not a process like sterilization).

Related Phrases

• Sterilization in place (SIP): An industrial process where equipment is sterilized without being moved to a separate location.
• Cold sterilization: Sterilization using chemicals or radiation instead of heat.
  • Some plastics require cold sterilization methods.

Notes on Meaning

The two primary meanings of "sterilization" are distinct but related by the core concept of rendering something incapable of supporting life (microbial life) or creating new life (reproduction). The intended meaning is always clear from the context (e.g., medical equipment vs. human surgery).

Học thuật

Noun

1. the procedure of making some object free of live bacteria or other microorganisms (usually by heat or chemical means)
2. the act of making an organism barren or infertile (unable to reproduce)

Từ đồng nghĩa

• sterilisation