sterilisation
Meaning: The process of making something free from bacteria or other living microorganisms, or a surgical procedure that renders a person or animal unable to reproduce.
Sterilisation has two principal senses. In medicine and food safety, it means eliminating all microorganisms from instruments, surfaces, or products — 'sterilisation of surgical equipment' and 'sterilisation by heat' are standard collocations. In reproductive medicine, it refers to permanent contraception through procedures such as vasectomy or tubal ligation. The term carries ethical weight in historical contexts, as forced sterilisation programmes were carried out in several countries during the 20th century.
Examples
- All surgical instruments must undergo thorough sterilisation before use in the operating theatre. 所有手术器械在手术室使用前必须经过彻底灭菌。Todo el instrumental quirúrgico debe someterse a una esterilización rigurosa antes de su uso en el quirófano.すべての手術器具は手術室での使用前に徹底した滅菌を受けなければならない。모든 수술 기구는 수술실에서 사용하기 전에 철저한 멸균 과정을 거쳐야 한다.
- The couple decided on sterilisation as a permanent form of contraception after having three children. 这对夫妇在生育三个孩子后决定选择绝育手术作为永久避孕方式。La pareja optó por la esterilización como método anticonceptivo permanente tras tener tres hijos.その夫婦は三人の子どもをもうけた後、永久的な避妊法として不妊手術を選択した。그 부부는 세 자녀를 둔 후 영구적인 피임법으로 불임 시술을 선택했다.
- The sterilisation of water supplies was a crucial public health advance that dramatically reduced waterborne disease. 水源的灭菌是一项关键的公共卫生进步,大幅减少了水传播疾病。La esterilización del suministro de agua fue un avance crucial de salud pública que redujo drásticamente las enfermedades de transmisión hídrica.水道水の殺菌処理は水系感染症を劇的に減少させた、極めて重要な公衆衛生上の進歩であった。상수도의 살균 처리는 수인성 질환을 극적으로 감소시킨 매우 중요한 공중 보건상의 진보였다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academic, professional, media
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Latin sterilis (barren, unproductive), via French stérilisation. The medical antiseptic sense developed in the late 19th century with the germ theory of disease; the reproductive sense is slightly older.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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