sterile
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sterile
Completely free of germs, bacteria, and other living microorganisms. This is often achieved through special procedures in medicine or food production.
Für die Operation müssen alle chirurgischen Instrumente absolut steril sein.
For the operation, all surgical instruments must be absolutely sterile.
The adjective 'steril' (sterile) belongs to the word family of the verb 'sterilisieren' (to sterilize) and the noun 'die Sterilisation' (sterilization). 'Steril' describes the state achieved through the process of sterilizing.
Nach der Sterilisation im Labor sind alle Probengefäße steril.
After sterilization in the lab, all sample containers are sterile.
The word has three clear areas of use: medicine (germ-free), design and atmosphere (cool, impersonal), and biology (infertile). The context usually makes the meaning very clear.
Die Wunde muss mit einem sterilen Verband abgedeckt werden.
The wound must be covered with a sterile bandage.
In the medical meaning, 'steril' (sterile) is often combined with things that come into direct contact with the body: 'sterile Handschuhe' (sterile gloves), 'eine sterile Nadel' (a sterile needle), or 'eine sterile Umgebung' (a sterile environment).
Der Piercer achtete darauf, nur sterile Instrumente zu verwenden.
The piercer made sure to use only sterile instruments.
In the figurative meaning, 'steril' (sterile) often describes rooms, architecture, or situations that lack warmth and life. It is frequently used with verbs such as 'wirken' (to seem), 'aussehen' (to look), or 'sich anfühlen' (to feel).
Die weiße, leere Wohnung wirkte auf mich kalt und steril.
The white, empty apartment felt cold and sterile to me.
In the meaning of 'unfruchtbar' (infertile), 'steril' (sterile) is a medical or biological technical term. It is used to describe the inability to reproduce in scientific terms.
Die Untersuchung ergab, dass der Mann steril ist.
The examination showed that the man is sterile.
cold
'kalt' and 'steril' can both describe something that feels impersonal and gives off no warmth. 'kalt' is especially suitable for people, behavior, or a mood when little emotion or friendliness is shown. 'steril' is used more for rooms, atmospheres, or a style that seems clean and orderly, but lifeless and without character. A person can seem 'kalt'; an office or interior is more likely to seem 'steril'.
Das neue Wartezimmer sieht sehr modern aus, wirkt aber auch ziemlich steril.
The new waiting room looks very modern, but it also feels quite sterile.
Seine Antwort war kurz und kalt, deshalb fühlte sich Anna verletzt.
His answer was brief and cold, so Anna felt hurt.