From HomoExcelsior

1. To make free from live bacteria or other microorganisms. 2. To deprive (a person or an animal) of the ability to produce offspring, as by removing the reproductive organs. 3. To make incapable of bearing fruit or germinating. 4. To render (land) unfruitful. 5. To place (gold) in safekeeping so as not to affect the supply of money or credit. 6. sterilized the terminology with euphemisms.

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