Noun: fertilization ,furt-lu'zey-shun [N. Amer], ,furt-(u-)lI'zey-shun [Brit]
- Creation by the physical union of male and female gametes; of sperm and ova in an animal or pollen and ovule in a plant
"The fertilization of the egg occurred shortly after mating";
- fertilisation [Brit], fecundation, impregnation
- Making fertile as by applying fertilizer or manure
"The fertilization of the fields increased crop yields significantly";
- fertilisation [Brit], fecundation, dressing
Derived forms: fertilizations
Type of: conception, creation, enrichment
Encyclopedia: Fertilization