Definition

Not cleaned or treated to remove bacteria or germs.

Example

The unsterilized equipment could lead to infections.

Conversation

Did you see that medical kit they were giving out at the fair?

Yeah, but I heard some of the supplies were unsterilized.

That's kind of concerning, right?

Definitely! I wouldn't trust anything unsterilized in a first aid situation.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unsterilized → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "sterilized" (from Latin "sterilis", meaning barren or unproductive, combined with the suffix "-ized" which indicates a process). The word "unsterilized" means not having undergone the process of sterilization, thus remaining potentially contaminated or unclean.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') having gone through the process of being 'barren' or 'clean' ('sterilized'). This helps you remember that 'unsterilized' refers to something that has not been made clean or free from germs.

Visually Confused Words