fertilization

noun

fer·​til·​i·​za·​tion ˌfər-tə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

: an act or process of making fertile: such as

a

: the application of fertilizer

b(1)

: an act or process of fecundation, insemination, or pollination

—not used technically

(2)

: the process of union of two gametes whereby the somatic chromosome number is restored and the development of a new individual is initiated

Examples of fertilization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Voters will also weigh in on three advisory questions, which are non-binding, including one that asks voters whether health insurance plans that provide coverage for pregnancy benefits should also cover reproductive treatments such as in vitro fertilization. —Chicago Tribune, 5 Nov. 2024

From carbon dioxide removal machines, which absorb CO2 from the air, to ‘ocean fertilization’ ships that release iron into the water to stimulate the growth of carbon-sucking phytoplankton, novel climate solutions are gaining more and more traction. —Maeve Campbell, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024

In vitro fertilization or artificial insemination doesn't always work for humans. —Bebe Hodges, The Enquirer, 27 Oct. 2024

Each individual coral releases eggs or sperm simultaneously, creating the best conditions for fertilization success, genetic diversity and protection from predators—which simply can’t consume all the eggs. —Brian Handwerk, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1787, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing fertilization

• cross-fertilization
• double fertilization
• fertilization membrane
• in vitro fertilization
• self-fertilization

Kids Definition

fertilization

noun

fer·​til·​i·​za·​tion ˌfərt-ᵊl-ə-ˈzā-shən 

1

: an act or process of making fertile

especially : the application of fertilizer

2

: the union of male and female germ cells to form a zygote

Medical Definition

fertilization

noun

fer·​til·​iza·​tion

variants or British fertilisation

ˌfərt-ᵊl-ə-ˈzā-shən 

: an act or process of making fertile: as

a

: an act or process of fecundation, insemination, or impregnation

b

: the process of union of two gametes whereby the somatic chromosome number is restored and the development of a new individual is initiated

fertilize transitive verb

or British fertilise

ˈfərt-ᵊl-ˌīz 

fertilized or British fertilised; fertilizing or British fertilising