Fertilization Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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fertilization
[fɜː(r)tɪləˈzeɪʃn ]
Definitions
reproduction
The process of fertilizing an egg, female reproductive cell, or a plant ovule, male reproductive cell, involving the fusion of male and female gametes to form a zygote.
Synonyms
conception, fecundation, impregnation.
Examples of usage
- Fertilization typically occurs in the fallopian tubes of the female reproductive system.
- The sperm and egg unite during fertilization to create a new organism.
- The success of fertilization is essential for the continuation of the species.
agriculture
The process of adding fertilizers to the soil to improve its fertility and promote plant growth.
Synonyms
fertilizing, manuring, top-dressing.
Examples of usage
- Farmers use fertilization to enhance the quality of their crops.
- Proper fertilization is crucial for the health of plants and the productivity of agricultural fields.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Biology
- In animals, fertilization usually involves a sperm cell from a male attaching to an egg cell from a female.
- In flowering plants, fertilization occurs when pollen from the male part of a flower reaches the female part to create seeds.
Historical Origins
- The term 'fertilization' comes from the Latin word 'fertilis,' meaning 'fruitful' or 'bearing fruit'.
- In ancient times, farmers understood that mixing organic materials in soil made it more productive long before the scientific basis was known.
Science
- Fertilization can be either internal, like in mammals, or external, like in many fish and amphibians where eggs are fertilized outside the body.
- Advancements in reproductive technologies, like in-vitro fertilization, allow for fertilization to happen in a lab setting, increasing the chances of conception.
Culture
- Different cultures have various rituals and beliefs surrounding fertilization, often linking it to growth, renewal, and hope.
- Fertilization is a common theme in literature and art, symbolizing the beginning of life and the connection between nature and humanity.
Education
- Understanding fertilization is a key part of biological education, helping students learn about human reproduction and plant growth.
- Many science curriculums use models and diagrams to illustrate the fertilization process, making it visually engaging for learners.
Origin of 'fertilization'
The word 'fertilization' originates from the Latin word 'fertilis,' meaning fruitful or productive. The concept of fertilization has been crucial in both biological reproduction and agriculture for centuries. Understanding the process of fertilization has led to advancements in assisted reproductive technologies and sustainable farming practices.
See also: fertileness, fertility, fertilize, fertilizer, infertile, infertility.