Final answer:
Sterilization is the process of destroying or removing all forms of microbial life, including spores. It is accomplished through high heat, pressure, or chemicals called sterilants.
Step-by-step explanation:
The destruction of all microorganisms, including spores, is called sterilization. This term refers to the process that completely removes or kills all forms of microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and all forms of microbial spores. Sterilization can be achieved through physical methods such as exposure to high heat and pressure (autoclaving) or through chemical means using sterilants, which are chemicals capable of destroying all forms of microbial life.