Added 5 October 2026
sterile
/ˈstɛɹaɪl/ adjective
In Latin: sterilis Wiktionary
adjective Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about sterile at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
- Unable to reproduce (or procreate).
- Terse; lacking sentiment or emotional stimulation, as in a manner of speaking.
- Fruitless, uninspiring, or unproductive.
Origin
From Middle French stérile, from Latin sterilis (“barren, futile”). See also Ancient Greek στεῖρα (steîra).
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)