fertilization
Fertilization (noun) means the joining of a sperm and egg (or pollen and ovule) to produce offspring. Example: “Fertilization occurs when a sperm cell successfully penetrates the egg.”
How to use fertilization
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither the biological joining of egg and sperm/pollen, or the practical act of feeding soil with fertilizer.
British English often spells this "fertilisation."
Word forms
fertilizations plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____ occurs when a sperm cell successfully penetrates the egg.
Etymology
From French fertilisation, built on fertile + the ending -ization.
Related words
Rhymes for fertilization
Frequently asked questions
What does “fertilization” mean?
The word “fertilization” means the joining of a sperm and egg (or pollen and ovule) to produce offspring. In plain terms, either the biological joining of egg and sperm/pollen, or the practical act of feeding soil with fertilizer.
How do you use “fertilization” in a sentence?
Here is “fertilization” used in a sentence: “Fertilization occurs when a sperm cell successfully penetrates the egg.”
What is another word for “fertilization”?
Words with a similar meaning to “fertilization” include conception, fecundation, syngamy and impregnation.
What part of speech is “fertilization”?
“Fertilization” is a noun.
Where does the word “fertilization” come from?
The word “fertilization” comes from French. From French fertilisation, built on fertile + the ending -ization.
Is “fertilization” a common word?
“Fertilization” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “fertilization” have?
“Fertilization” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the joining of a sperm and egg (or pollen and ovule) to produce offspring.