rhizoverbBeta
DictionarysterileUnable to reproduce
adjective

sterile

Unable to produce offspring.

Most mules are sterile and cannot produce offspring of their own.

Etymology
sterileLatinbarren

Latin sterilis means barren or unproductive. The reproductive sense preserves that inability to produce offspring.

In context

Scisec1:48
And therefore, a mule is sterile. But not all hybrids are sterile. Some, like the pizzly bear, are fertile and they can reproduce.
Interbreeding: Can different species mate?

More examples

  • The treatment can leave some patients sterile.
  • These sterile plants bloom but cannot produce viable seeds.
  • Scientists release sterile male mosquitoes to reduce the population.

Forms

sterile

sterility noun — The condition of being unable to reproduce.

sterilize verb — To make a person or animal unable to reproduce.

Similar words

infertile
Can describe difficulty conceiving, rather than complete reproductive inability.
barren
Traditionally describes females unable to reproduce; often sounds insensitive.