sterilizationnoun [ U ]
UK usually sterilisation uk/ˌster.ɪ.laɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/us/ˌster.ə.ləˈzeɪ.ʃən/sterilization noun [ U ] (STOP CHILDREN)
the process of having a medical operation to make it impossible to have children:
My wife and I have discussed sterilization, but we haven't made a decision about it yet.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Obstetrics: contraception
- cap
- coil
- coitus interruptus
- condom
- contraception
- contraceptive
- Dutch cap
- family planning
- Femidom
- French letter
- johnny
- loop
- minipill
- morning-after pill
- prophylactic
- rhythm method
- safe sex
- spermicidal
- spermicide
- unprotected
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sterilization noun [ U ] (CLEANING)
the process of making something completely clean and free from bacteria:
The needles have been sent off for sterilization.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Cleaning generally
- brush sb/sth off
- cleaner
- cleaning
- cleanse
- cleansing
- decontaminate
- groom
- purification
- purify
- rinse sth out
- scour
- scrub
- sluice
- sluice sth down/out
- sponge
- sweep
- wash (sth) out
- wipe
- wipe sth down
- wipe sth up
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