sterile

• Décrit quelque chose de totalement propre et exempt de bactéries ou d'autres micro-organismes ; s'emploie aussi pour qualifier une personne ou un environnement dépourvus d'émotions, d'énergie ou d'originalité.

Describes something that is completely clean and free from bacteria or other microorganisms; also used to describe a person or environment lacking in emotion, energy, or originality.

1. Incapable of reproducingB2formal

   Unable to produce offspring or young; barren.

   Stérile (incapable de se reproduire)

   • The sterile male could not father children.
   • Some hybrid animals are naturally sterile.
   • The soil in that region is sterile and cannot support crops.

   Synonymesbarreninfertileunfruitful

   Antonymesfertile

2. Free of microorganismsB1formalmedical

   Completely free from bacteria, viruses, or other microorganisms; aseptic.

   stérile (exempt de micro-organismes)

   • The surgeon used sterile instruments during the operation.
   • All needles must be kept in sterile packaging.
   • The laboratory maintains a sterile environment for experiments.

   Synonymesasepticgermfree

   Antonymescontaminatedinfectedseptic

3. Lacking creativityC1formal

   Lacking in originality, imagination, or the power to invent.

   stérile (au sens figuré)

   • The artist's later work was criticized as sterile and uninspired.
   • The meeting produced sterile discussions with no new ideas.
   • His writing became sterile after years of following the same formula.

   Synonymesbarrendryhackneyedstaleunimaginativeuninspiredunoriginal

   Antonymescreativefertileimaginativeinventiveoriginalproductive