sterilization
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Sterilization is a process that removes or kills all germs and biological organisms from an object or area, making it completely free of living microbes. It matters because it prevents infection and disease, which is why it's essential in medical settings, food production, and other situations where cleanliness is critical to safety.
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Microorganisms growing on an agar plate
Sterilization (British English: sterilisation) refers to any process that removes, kills, or deactivates all forms of life (particularly microorganisms such as fungi, bacteria, spores, and unicellular eukaryotic organisms) and other biological agents (such as prions or viruses) present in fluid or on a specific surface or object. Sterilization can be achieved through various means, including heat, chemicals, irradiation, high pressure, and filtration. Sterilization is distinct from disinfection, sanitization, and pasteurization, in that those methods reduce rather than eliminate all forms of life and biological agents present. After sterilization, fluid or an object is referred to as being sterile or aseptic.