sterility

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun (of non-living objects) the state of being free of pathogenic organisms
  2. noun the state of being unable to produce offspring; in a woman it is an inability to conceive; in a man it is an inability to impregnate

Etymology

From Middle English sterylite, sterylyte, from Latin sterilitās. By surface analysis, sterile + -ity.

In classic literature

Synonyms

asepsis, antisepsis, sterileness

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