noun
Uncommon
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.”
noun
1
The joining of a sperm and egg (or pollen and ovule) to produce offspring.
"Fertilization occurs when a sperm cell successfully penetrates the egg."
2
The act of adding fertilizer to soil to make it more productive.
"Regular fertilization keeps the lawn thick and green."
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.
UK vs US
British English often spells this "fertilisation."
Common pairings
in vitro fertilization
soil fertilization
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Word forms
- Plural
- fertilizations
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.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for fertilization
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all 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.
