Pollenize: meaning, definitions and examples

Used specifically in a botanical context when discussing the transfer of pollen from the male structures to the female structures of the same species, often by natural agents like wind or insects.

• Bees pollenize the flowers as they move from one blossom to another.

Used in both botanical and agricultural contexts to describe the process by which an ovule is made fertile by the addition of pollen, including artificial methods. Can also be used more broadly in agriculture to mean the addition of nutrients to soil.

• The gardener fertilized the plants to ensure a healthy bloom.
• It's important to fertilize crops regularly to maintain soil quality.

Used broadly in both informal and formal contexts to describe the general process of transferring pollen from the male anthers of a flower to the female stigma, enabling fertilization.

• Butterflies help to pollinate flowers while they feed on nectar.
• The wind pollinates many types of grasses and trees.

Used in a botanical and agricultural context when describing the transfer of pollen between different plants, species, or varieties to create hybrids or introduce genetic diversity.

• Farmers cross-pollinate different varieties of corn to improve crop yield.
• Scientists aim to cross-pollinate these two plant species to create a more resilient hybrid.