(~s, sterilizing, ~d)
Note: in BRIT, also use 'sterilise'
1.
If you ~ a thing or a place, you make it completely clean and free from germs.
Sulphur is also used to ~ equipment...
VERB: V n
sterilization
...the pasteurization and sterilization of milk.
N-UNCOUNT
2.
If a person or an animal is ~d, they have a medical operation that makes it impossible for them to have or produce babies.
My wife was ~d after the birth of her fourth child.
VERB: usu passive, be V-ed
sterilization (sterilizations)
In some cases, a sterilization is performed through the vaginal wall.
N-VAR