fertilization
noun
fer·til·i·za·tion
ˌfər-tə-lə-ˈzā-shən 
: an act or process of making fertile: such as
a
: the application of fertilizer
b(1)
: an act or process of fecundation, insemination, or pollination
—not used technically
(2)
: the process of union of two gametes whereby the somatic chromosome number is restored and the development of a new individual is initiated
Examples of fertilization in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Voters will also weigh in on three advisory questions, which are non-binding, including one that asks voters whether health insurance plans that provide coverage for pregnancy benefits should also cover reproductive treatments such as in vitro fertilization.
—
Chicago Tribune, 5 Nov. 2024
From carbon dioxide removal machines, which absorb CO2 from the air, to ‘ocean fertilization’ ships that release iron into the water to stimulate the growth of carbon-sucking phytoplankton, novel climate solutions are gaining more and more traction.
—Maeve Campbell, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
In vitro fertilization or artificial insemination doesn't always work for humans.
—Bebe Hodges, The Enquirer, 27 Oct. 2024
Each individual coral releases eggs or sperm simultaneously, creating the best conditions for fertilization success, genetic diversity and protection from predators—which simply can’t consume all the eggs.
—Brian Handwerk, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for fertilization 
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Chicago Tribune, 5 Nov. 2024
From carbon dioxide removal machines, which absorb CO2 from the air, to ‘ocean fertilization’ ships that release iron into the water to stimulate the growth of carbon-sucking phytoplankton, novel climate solutions are gaining more and more traction.
—Maeve Campbell, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
In vitro fertilization or artificial insemination doesn't always work for humans.
—Bebe Hodges, The Enquirer, 27 Oct. 2024
Each individual coral releases eggs or sperm simultaneously, creating the best conditions for fertilization success, genetic diversity and protection from predators—which simply can’t consume all the eggs.
—Brian Handwerk, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for fertilization
Dictionary Entries Near fertilization
Cite this Entry
“Fertilization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fertilization. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
fertilization
noun
fer·til·i·za·tion
ˌfərt-ᵊl-ə-ˈzā-shən
1
: an act or process of making fertile
especially
: the application of fertilizer
2
: the union of male and female germ cells to form a zygote
Medical Definition
fertilization
noun
fer·til·iza·tion
variants
or British fertilisation
: an act or process of making fertile: as
a
: an act or process of fecundation, insemination, or impregnation
b
: the process of union of two gametes whereby the somatic chromosome number is restored and the development of a new individual is initiated
fertilize
transitive verb
or British fertilise
fertilized or British fertilised; fertilizing or British fertilising
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