certation

noun

cer·​ta·​tion

(ˌ)sərˈtāshən

plural -s

: competition between male elements of different genotype for opportunity to fertilize available female elements especially as manifested by differential growth of pollen tubes

Word History

Etymology

Latin certation-, certatio contest, from certatus, past participle of certare to fight, contend, settle something by a contest, from certus certain

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!