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

Since 1978, millions of babies have been born using in-vitro fertilization (IVF). —Alexandra York, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024

With in-vitro fertilization (IVF), a surgeon removes an egg from the female, applies the male's sperm to the egg, and transplants the resulting embryo back into the uterus (womb).2 Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a less invasive option. —Mark Gurarie, Health, 14 Dec. 2024

After dealing with fertility issues, Kelly underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) with Matthew's support. —Nasha Smith, People.com, 8 Dec. 2024

The luteal phase occurs from days 15 to 28 when the follicle that released the egg increases progesterone levels for pregnancy or degrades if fertilization does not occur. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 27 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1787, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing fertilization

• cross-fertilization
• double fertilization
• fertilization membrane
• in vitro fertilization
• self-fertilization

Kids 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

ˌfərt-ᵊl-ə-ˈzā-shən 

: 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

ˈfərt-ᵊl-ˌīz 

fertilized or British fertilised; fertilizing or British fertilising