1. In general, the incapability of fertilization or reproduction. See female s., male s.. 2. Condition of being aseptic, or free from all living microorganisms. [L. sterilitas]
- female s. the inability of the female to conceive, due to inadequacy in structure or function of the genital organs. SYN: infecundity.
- male s. the inability of the male to fertilize the ovum; it may or may not be associated with impotence.
- normospermatogenic s. male s. due to some cause other than failure to produce live, normal spermatozoa, e.g., blockage of the seminiferous passages.
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n.
inability to have children, either due to infertility or (in someone who has been fertile) deliberately induced by surgical procedures as a means of contraception (see sterilization). Sterility may also be an incidental result of an operation or drug treatment undertaken for other reasons, such as removal of the uterus (hysterectomy) because of cancer.
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ste·ril·i·ty (stə-rilґĭ-te) [L. sterilitas] 1. inability to produce offspring, i.e., either to conceive (female s.) or to induce conception (male s.) Cf. infertility. 2. asepsis.Medical dictionary. 2011.