fertilization

noun

fer·​til·​i·​za·​tion ˌfər-tə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce fertilization (audio)
: 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 Politics 1 of 3 Hundreds gather for a protest rally for in vitro fertilization legislation Feb. 28, 2024, in Montgomery, Ala. Christine Fernando, The Denver Post, 1 Mar. 2024 Follow Election 2024 At least three in vitro fertilization clinics in Alabama halted treatment following the court’s decision, which drew strong criticism from medical organizations. Kelsey Ables, Washington Post, 29 Feb. 2024 Senator Tammy Duckworth, an Illinois Democrat, speaks during a news conference, on protections for access to in vitro fertilization as on February 27, 2024 in Washington, DC. Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 28 Feb. 2024 Already, several Alabama clinics have paused certain in vitro fertilization procedures in the wake of the ruling, prompting some patients to look for alternative care in other states. Tami Luhby, CNN, 27 Feb. 2024 About five to six days after fertilization, an early-stage embryo, called a blastocyst, forms. Brian Barrett, WIRED, 27 Feb. 2024 The effect of the ruling has made in vitro fertilization, or IVF, complicated in Alabama with many clinics pausing operations. Journal Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2024 The Alabama Supreme Court ruled recently that embryos created by in vitro fertilization are children, sparking fear that someone who damages the embryos could face penalties. David Lightman, Sacramento Bee, 24 Feb. 2024 The three couples who brought the Alabama case concerning an in vitro fertilization clinic are not, as anyone casually following the news or hearing of President Biden’s statement might think, pro-life activists hostile to IVF. The Editors, National Review, 23 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fertilization.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1787, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fertilization was circa 1787

Dictionary Entries Near fertilization

Cite this Entry

“Fertilization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fertilization. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

fertilization

noun
fer·​til·​i·​za·​tion ˌfərt-ᵊl-ə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce fertilization (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on fertilization

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