sterile

English

/ˈstɛɹəl/, /ˈstɛɹaɪl/

adj
Definitions
  • (uncomparable) Unable to reproduce (or procreate).
  • (figurative) Terse; lacking sentiment or emotional stimulation, as in a manner of speaking.
  • (figurative) Fruitless, uninspiring, or unproductive.
  • germlessGermless; free from all living or viable microorganisms.
  • Free from dangerous objects, as a zone in an airport that can be only be entered via a security checkpoint.
  • (US) Of weapons: foreign-made and untraceable to the United States.

Etymology

Borrowed from Middle French stérile derived from Latin sterilis (sterile, futile, barren).

Origin

Latin

sterilis

Gloss

sterile, futile, barren

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms