noun
fertilization
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
Word Forms
fertilizations plural
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_____ occurs when a sperm cell successfully penetrates the egg.
Etymology
From French fertilisation, built on fertile + the ending -ization.