Search Result for "sterile": 
Wordnet 3.0

ADJECTIVE (3)

1. incapable of reproducing;
- Example: "an infertile couple"
[syn: sterile, unfertile, infertile]

2. free of or using methods to keep free of pathological microorganisms;
- Example: "a sterile operating area"
- Example: "aseptic surgical instruments"
- Example: "aseptic surgical techniques"
[syn: aseptic, sterile]

3. deficient in originality or creativity; lacking powers of invention;
- Example: "a sterile ideology lacking in originality"
- Example: "unimaginative development of a musical theme"
- Example: "uninspired writing"
[syn: sterile, unimaginative, uninspired, uninventive]



The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Sterile \Ster"ile\, a. [F. st['e]rile, L. sterilis, akin to Gr.
   stereo`s stiff, solid, stei^ros barren, stei^ra a cow that
   has not calved, Goth. stair[=o], fem., barren. See Stare to
   gaze.]
   1. Producing little or no crop; barren; unfruitful;
      unproductive; not fertile; as, sterile land; a sterile
      desert; a sterile year.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. (Biol.)
      (a) Incapable of reproduction; unfitted for reproduction
          of offspring; not able to germinate or bear fruit;
          unfruitful; as, a sterile flower, which bears only
          stamens.
      (b) Free from reproductive spores or germs; as, a sterile
          fluid.
          [1913 Webster]

   3. Fig.: Barren of ideas; destitute of sentiment; as, a
      sterile production or author.
      [1913 Webster]


WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

sterile
    adj 1: incapable of reproducing; "an infertile couple" [syn:
           sterile, unfertile, infertile] [ant: fertile]
    2: free of or using methods to keep free of pathological
       microorganisms; "a sterile operating area"; "aseptic surgical
       instruments"; "aseptic surgical techniques" [syn: aseptic,
       sterile]
    3: deficient in originality or creativity; lacking powers of
       invention; "a sterile ideology lacking in originality";
       "unimaginative development of a musical theme"; "uninspired
       writing" [syn: sterile, unimaginative, uninspired,
       uninventive]