C1nounUK spelling: fertilisationsciencehealth
US/ˌfɜːr.təl.əˈzeɪ.ʃən/
UK/ˌfɜː.təl.aɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/
the moment a male cell joins an egg so that a new life can start to grow
In context
After fertilization, the egg slowly moves toward the womb to settle there.
In many fish, fertilization takes place outside the mother's body.
Pollination comes before fertilization in plants and depends on wind, water or insects.
Words that go with fertilization
adjective + noun
- in vitro fertilizationIn vitro fertilization helps couples who struggle to have a baby.
- external fertilizationFrogs use external fertilization.
- internal fertilizationInternal fertilization is common in birds and mammals.
noun + preposition
- fertilization in mammalsFertilization in mammals happens inside the female body.
- after fertilizationAfter fertilization, the cell divides rapidly.
noun + noun
- fertilization processThe fertilization process is shown in the diagram.