sterile Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective incapable of reproducing
    unfertile; infertile.
    • an infertile couple
  2. adjective satellite free of or using methods to keep free of pathological microorganisms
    aseptic.
    • a sterile operating area
    • aseptic surgical instruments
    • aseptic surgical techniques
  3. adjective satellite deficient in originality or creativity; lacking powers of invention
    unimaginative; uninventive; uninspired.
    • a sterile ideology lacking in originality
    • unimaginative development of a musical theme
    • uninspired writing

WordNet

Ster"ile adjective
Etymology
F. stérile, L. sterilis, akin to Gr. stereo`s stiff, solid, stei^ros barren, stei^ra a cow that has not calved, Goth. stairo, fem., barren. See Stare to gaze.
Definitions
  1. Producing little or no crop; barren; unfruitful; unproductive; not fertile; as, sterile land; a sterile desert; a sterile year.
  2. (Biol.) (a) Incapable of reproduction; unfitted for reproduction of offspring; not able to germinate or bear fruit; unfruitful; as, a sterile flower, which bears only stamens. (b) Free from reproductive spores or germs; as, a sterile fluid.
  3. Fig.: Barren of ideas; destitute of sentiment; as, a sterile production or author.

Webster 1913