GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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Found one definition

1.       
   Sterile , a. [F. stérile, L. sterilis, akin to Gr. στερεός stiff, solid, στεῖρος barren, στεῖρα a cow that has not calved, Goth. stairō, fem., barren. See Stare to gaze.]
   Producing little or no crop; barren; unfruitful; unproductive; not fertile; as, sterile land; a sterile desert; a sterile year.
   1913 Webster
   (Biol.) (a) Incapable of reproduction; unfitted for reproduction of offspring; not able to germinate or bear fruit; unfruitful; as, a sterile flower, which bears only stamens. (b) Free from reproductive spores or germs; as, a sterile fluid.
   1913 Webster
   Fig.: Barren of ideas; destitute of sentiment; as, a sterile production or author.
   1913 Webster