English Lexicon

Sterilizer

/ˈstɛr.əˌlaɪ.zər/
nounCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #14500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    A device or substance used to sterilize something, making it free from bacteria or other living microorganisms.

    "The hospital uses a high-temperature sterilizer to ensure all surgical instruments are free from pathogens."
  2. 2

    A chemical agent that kills or inhibits the growth of microorganisms.

    "The sterilizer used in the lab is effective against a wide range of bacteria."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from the French 'stérilisateur', based on the Latin 'sterilis' (barren) combined with the suffix '-iser/-ize' and agent noun suffix '-ator/-er'. It emerged in the late 19th century alongside advances in germ theory, medical asepsis, and bacteriology to describe devices used to destroy microorganisms.

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