sterile
Loading your saved state.
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.
sterile
In a figurative sense, an atmosphere, room, or style that is perceived as cold, impersonal, and without character or liveliness.
Das moderne Büro wirkte mit seinen weißen Wänden und Stahlmöbeln sehr steril.
With its white walls and steel furniture, the modern office felt very sterile.
sterile
Describes a living being that is infertile and cannot father or bear offspring.
Durch die Behandlung wurde der Patient leider steril.
Unfortunately, the treatment made the patient 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.
cool
Kühl and steril can both describe an impersonal setting. Kühl primarily emphasizes the lack of emotional warmth. Steril is stronger and additionally conveys the impression that a room is artificial, lifeless, or lacking its own character.
Der Empfangsraum wirkt durch die leeren weißen Flächen steril und ohne persönlichen Charakter.
The reception room feels sterile because of its empty white surfaces and lack of personal character.
Der Empfangsraum wirkt durch die grauen Wände kühl und distanziert.
The reception room feels cool and distant because of its gray walls.
