Definition

In a way that is free from bacteria or other living microorganisms; clean and hygienic.

Example

The medical instruments were handled sterilely to prevent infection.

Conversation

When you clean the kitchen, do you do it sterilely?

I try to, but sometimes I just wipe things down quickly.

Yeah, I guess it's hard to keep everything sterilely all the time.

Exactly! I just focus on the basics and hope for the best.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Sterilely → It is formed from "sterilis" (from Latin, meaning barren or unproductive) and the adverbial suffix "-ly" (meaning in a manner of). The word "sterilely" means in a manner that is barren or free from bacteria or germs.

Memory Tip

Think of being 'barren' or 'unproductive' ('sterilis') and how doing something 'in that manner' ('-ly') means it is done without contamination.

Visually Confused Words