sterilization

/ˌsterəlaɪˈzeɪʃn/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌsterələˈzeɪʃn/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌster-ə-lə-ˈzā-shən/ (ame, mw)

sterilization — noun

1. a treatment using heat, chemicals, or radiation to destroy all bacteria, viruses

1.名詞B2
釋義

a treatment using heat, chemicals, or radiation to destroy all bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms on tools, equipment, or surfaces.

例句

The hospital performs strict sterilization of all surgical instruments before every operation.

sterilization of [object] — strict / thorough sterilization

Alessia checked that the sterilization of her baby's feeding bottles was done correctly.

同義詞
  • disinfection

    kills most but not all microorganisms; less thorough than sterilization

  • pasteurisation

    heat treatment for food and drink; does not kill all microorganisms

  • sanitisation

    general cleaning to reduce germs; less rigorous than sterilization

反義詞

文法句型

sterilization + of + object

for + sterilization

用法筆記

Common in hospital, laboratory, and food-safety contexts. Sterilization differs from 'disinfection' — sterilization kills ALL microorganisms, while disinfection reduces them to a safer level.

常見錯誤

❌I used soap for sterilisation of my hands.
✅I used soap for cleaning my hands. Sterilisation is a stronger process used for medical tools.
💡hand-washing is cleaning, not sterilisation.

2. a medical procedure that permanently prevents a person from being able to have c

2.名詞B2
釋義

a medical procedure that permanently prevents a person from being able to have children, typically carried out by surgically blocking or removing the reproductive organs.

例句

After having three children, Quinn chose sterilization so that she would not have more pregnancies.

undergo / choose sterilization — permanent birth control decision

The doctor explained the risks of sterilization to Hamza and his wife before the operation.

同義詞
  • vasectomy

    specifically the male sterilization procedure; narrower in scope

  • tubal ligation

    specifically the female sterilization procedure; narrower in scope

  • contraception

    broader term for birth control, including reversible methods

反義詞

文法句型

undergo + sterilization

sterilization + of + person

用法筆記

Frequently passive in medical contexts — a patient 'undergoes' or 'chooses' sterilization. This sense refers to a permanent procedure and should not be confused with reversible contraception.

常見錯誤

❌She decided to get sterilisation pills.
✅She decided to undergo sterilisation surgery.
💡sterilization is a surgical procedure, not a medication.
❌The sterilisation can be reversed easily.
✅Sterilisation is usually a permanent procedure.
💡while reversal is sometimes possible, it is complex and not guaranteed.