The term 'sterilizes' can be summarized by the crossword solution 'SPAYS, ' which is a five-letter word. Spaying is a surgical procedure that removes the reproductive organs of female animals, making them unable to reproduce. This procedure is commonly done to cats and dogs, but can also be done to other animals such as horses and rabbits. Spaying is a form of sterilization, which is the process of making something free from living microorganisms or other contaminants.