Fertilize: meaning, definitions and examples

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fertilize

[ ˈfɜːrtɪlaɪz ]

^{Context #1}

agriculture

To apply fertilizers to (soil or plants) to promote growth and productivity.

Synonyms

enrich, feed, nourish

Examples of usage

The farmers fertilize their fields in the spring to ensure a successful harvest.
It is important to fertilize your garden regularly to keep the plants healthy and vibrant.

^{Context #2}

biology

To make (an egg or female animal) capable of development by introducing male reproductive material.

Synonyms

impregnate, inseminate, pollinate

Examples of usage

The sperm fertilizes the egg to form a zygote.
In some species, males fertilize the females externally.

Translations

Translations of the word "fertilize" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fertilizar

🇮🇳 उर्वरक डालना

🇩🇪 düngen

🇮🇩 memupuk

🇺🇦 удобрювати

🇵🇱 nawozić

🇯🇵 肥料を施す (ひりょうをほどこす)

🇫🇷 fertiliser

🇪🇸 fertilizar

🇹🇷 gübrelemek

🇰🇷 비료를 주다

🇸🇦 تسميد

🇨🇿 hnojit

🇸🇰 hnojiť

🇨🇳 施肥 (shīféi)

🇸🇮 gnojiti

🇮🇸 frjóvga

🇰🇿 тыңайту

🇬🇪 განაყოფიერება

🇦🇿 gübrələmək

🇲🇽 fertilizar

Word origin

The word 'fertilize' has its roots in the Latin word 'fertilis', meaning fruitful or productive. The concept of fertilizing soil to enhance plant growth dates back to ancient agricultural practices. In the context of biology, the term refers to the process of fertilization, where male and female reproductive cells combine to initiate development. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass various fields, emphasizing the idea of promoting growth and productivity.