sterilization
noun /ˌsterəlaɪˈzeɪʃn/
/ˌsterələˈzeɪʃn/
(British English also sterilisation)
[uncountable, countable]- the act of killing the bacteria in or on something
- Adequate sterilization of medical and surgical instruments is essential.
- the act of making a person or an animal unable to have babies, especially by removing or blocking their sex organs
- the sterilization of stray dogs and cats