fertilization

noun

fer·​til·​i·​za·​tion ˌfər-tə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce fertilization (audio)
: 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 be asked if millionaires should help fund property tax relief, whether insurance should cover in vitro fertilization and if there should be civil penalties for candidates who interfere with election workers. Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 16 Oct. 2024 Walz also received shot injections before an intrauterine insemination procedure to increase the chances of successful fertilization. Ivana Saric, Axios, 14 Oct. 2024 On Tuesday, Hovde weighed in on a range of topics, from his major campaign issues like the national debt and immigration to climate change, in vitro fertilization and accepting the results of the November election. Lawrence Andrea, Journal Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2024 Ever since the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that frozen embryos outside the womb are considered children, the fertility treatment known as in vitro fertilization has become a political cause celebre. Tom Philp, The Mercury News, 5 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fertilization 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fertilization.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1787, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fertilization was circa 1787

Dictionary Entries Near fertilization

Cite this Entry

“Fertilization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fertilization. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

fertilization

noun
fer·​til·​i·​za·​tion ˌfərt-ᵊl-ə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce fertilization (audio)
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
: 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
fertilized or British fertilised; fertilizing or British fertilising

More from Merriam-Webster on fertilization

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