Free from reproductive spores or germs; as, a sterile fluid.

Unable to reproduce offspring or young of their own.

Incapable of reproducing.

Free of living organisms; the terms usually refers to lack of microorganisms or bacteria. Process of sterilization refers to killing all life forms by heating, chemical treatment or other means.

Producing little or no crop; barren; unfruitful; unproductive; not fertile; as, sterile land; a sterile desert; a sterile year.

Incapable of reproduction; unfitted for reproduction of offspring; not able to germinate or bear fruit; unfruitful; as, a sterile flower, which bears only stamens.

Fig.: Barren of ideas; destitute of sentiment; as, a sterile production or author.

(1) It is often recommended that the soil medium in which seeds are germinated should first be sterilized; to do this, soil can baked in the oven. To kill the damping-off fungi, the soil must reach 130 degrees F for 30 minutes. Most viruses will be dead after 30 minutes at 160F. It is not, however, necessary to sterilize soil unless previous problems have occurred because, in addition to killing disease organisms, it also destroys beneficials, which contribute to soil health. (2) Before pruning plants, especially those that may harbor disease, be sure to sterilize tools with a diluted ammonia solution (see pruning entry for more information). (3) The term may also be used to describe self-sterile plants (see cross-pollination).

Completely devoid of life. No brewery - professional or home - will ever be sterile. See sanitary.

Absolutely devoid of any life. In piercing it is essential that all equipment be sterile to minimize the risk of infection.

Totally devoid of life. A more rigid term than sanitary.

not being able to have children strike to find or come across

(a) Without Life. (b) Inability of an organism to produce functional gametes.

The inability to produce children.