self-sterile

adjective

self-ster·​ile ˌself-ˈster-əl How to pronounce self-sterile (audio)
: sterile to its own pollen or sperm
self-sterility noun

Examples of self-sterile in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The odd thing is, an individual specimen of Callery pear is actually self-sterile — a single tree, in the absence of pollen from another individual with different genetics, won’t produce much, if any viable seed. Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 22 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-sterile was in 1863

Dictionary Entries Near self-sterile

Cite this Entry

“Self-sterile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-sterile. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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