adj free from reproductive spores or germs; as, a sterile fluid.
2. sterile ·adj fig.: barren of ideas; destitute of sentiment; as, a sterile production or author.
3. sterile ·adj producing little or no crop; barren; unfruitful; unproductive; not fertile; as, sterile land; a sterile desert; a sterile year.
4. sterile ·adj incapable of reproduction; unfitted for reproduction of offspring; not able to germinate or bear fruit; unfruitful; as, a sterile flower, which bears only stamens.