self-fertilization

noun

self-fer·​til·​i·​za·​tion ˌself-ˌfər-tə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce self-fertilization (audio)
: fertilization effected by union of ova with pollen or sperm from the same individual
self-fertilize verb

Examples of self-fertilization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The plan, broadly speaking, is to try self-fertilization in tobacco—the crop equivalent of a lab rat—and then in rice. Matthew Hutson, The New Yorker, 6 Feb. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-fertilization was in 1850

Dictionary Entries Near self-fertilization

Cite this Entry

“Self-fertilization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-fertilization. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

self-fertilization

noun
self-fer·​til·​i·​za·​tion
ˌself-ˌfərt-ᵊl-ə-ˈzā-shən
: fertilization of a plant or animal by its own pollen or sperm
self-fertilize
ˈself-ˈfərt-ᵊl-ˌīz
verb

Medical Definition

self-fertilization

noun
self-fer·​til·​iza·​tion ˌself-ˌfərt-ᵊl-ə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce self-fertilization (audio)
: fertilization effected by union of ova with pollen or sperm from the same individual

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