What is described by the term "sterilization"?

The term "sterilization" specifically refers to the process of eliminating all forms of microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores. This process is crucial in various settings such as medical facilities and laboratories to prevent infections and ensure that any instruments or materials used are completely free of any living microorganisms. Sterilization methods can include techniques such as autoclaving, which uses steam under pressure, dry heat, chemical sterilants, or radiation.

Other processes mentioned, like reducing pathogens to a safe level, cleaning with disinfectants, and ensuring proper hand hygiene, focus on lowering the microbial load or cleaning surfaces, but they do not achieve the complete eradication of all microbes as sterilization does. Hence, while these practices are essential for infection control, they are distinct from the definitive and rigorous process that sterilization entails.