Final answer:
Sterilization is the process of completely removing or killing all forms of microbial life, including vegetative cells, endospores, and viruses, from a targeted item or environment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sterilization is the process of completely removing or killing all forms of microbial life, including vegetative cells, endospores, and viruses, from a targeted item or environment. It is typically used in laboratory, medical, manufacturing, and food industry settings where it is crucial to eliminate potentially infectious agents. Sterilization can be achieved through physical means, such as high heat, pressure, or filtration, as well as through chemical means using sterilants that effectively kill all microbes and viruses.