Definition of sterilization

The word "sterilization" has its roots in the late 14th century Latin word "sterilis," meaning "barren" or "fruitless." This Latin term was derived from the Greek words "sterēros" (without) and "ilē" (fruit). Initially, the term referred to the loss of fertility in humans or animals. The modern concept of sterilization as a medical procedure to render objects or substances germ-free emerged in the 19th century. The word "sterilization" was coined in the 1860s to describe this process. In the early 1880s, German pharmacist Robert Koch and Scottish surgeon Joseph Lister independently developed methods for sterilizing instruments and equipment, further establishing the term. Over time, the meaning of "sterilization" expanded to include not only medical procedures but also agricultural and environmental practices aimed at preventing the spread of disease-causing microorganisms. Today, the term is widely used in various fields, from medicine to food processing.