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Sterilization vs Sterility - What's the difference?

sterilization | sterility |

As nouns the difference between sterilization and sterility

is that sterilization is (uncountable) the process of treating something to kill or inactivate microorganisms while sterility is the state or quality of being sterile.

sterilization

English

Alternative forms

* sterilisation

Noun

  • (uncountable) The process of treating something to kill or inactivate microorganisms.
    • Heat sterilization is used during canning so the food can be safely stored for long periods.
  • (uncountable) A procedure to permanently prevent an organism from reproducing.
    • Spaying a cat is a form of sterilization to limit the population growth.
  • (countable) an instance of a sterilization procedure
    • The vet performed several sterilizations this week.
  • (uncountable) A monetary policy operation used to offset a foreign exchange intervention.
    • The Federal Reserve is responsible for foreign exchange sterilization .

    Related terms

    * sterilize

    See also

    * autoclave * sanitization

    sterility

    English

    Noun

    (-)
  • The state or quality of being sterile.