C1verbUK spelling: fertilisesciencenature
US/ˈfɜːr.təl.aɪz/
UK/ˈfɜː.təl.aɪz/
to join a male cell to an egg so life can start, or to put plant food on soil
In context
Once the egg is fertilized, it begins to divide into new cells.
Female frogs lay eggs, and the males fertilize them in the water.
Farmers fertilize their fields in spring to get a bigger harvest.
Words that go with fertilize
verb + noun
- fertilize an eggOnly one sperm can fertilize an egg.
- fertilize the soilThey fertilize the soil with natural compost.
- fertilize cropsMany farmers fertilize crops twice a year.
- fertilize the plantsRemember to fertilize the plants every few weeks.
verb + preposition
- fertilize with manureThe fields were fertilized with manure.