The word "fertilise" is commonly spelled with an "s" in British English and a "z" in American English. The phonetic transcription of the word is /ˈfɜː.tɪ.laɪz/ in British English and /ˈfɜːr.tə.laɪz/ in American English. The difference in spelling is due to the variation in pronunciation of the letter "z" and "s" between the two dialects. Despite the spelling difference, both versions of the word have the same meaning, which is to enrich or enhance the fertility of something.
Fertilise is a verb that refers to the process of providing nutrients or substances that contribute to the growth and development of plants, animals, or organisms. It is primarily an agricultural or biological term used to describe the act of adding fertilizers or other substances to soil, water, or other mediums to enhance fertility and productivity.
In agriculture, fertilise is commonly employed to describe the action of adding artificial or natural fertilizers to the soil to replenish nutrient levels that may have been depleted due to previous crops, weather conditions, or other factors. The purpose of fertilisation is to ensure that plants receive an adequate supply of essential elements such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, among others, to sustain their growth and optimize their yield.
This term can also be used in the context of animal breeding, where it pertains to the process of insemination or implantation of male reproductive cells (sperm) into the female reproductive system, with the aim of initiating fertilisation and subsequent reproduction.
Fertilise can also be applied to the field of biology, referring to the process by which the male gamete (sperm) fuses with the female gamete (egg) to form a zygote, leading to the development of a new individual or organism. This process is essential for sexual reproduction in many types of organisms, including plants, animals, and humans.
In summary, fertilise involves providing nutrients, substances, or reproductive cells to support the growth, development, and reproductive processes of plants, animals, or organisms. It encompasses various agricultural, biological, and reproductive contexts, emphasizing the importance of nutrient replenishment and sexual reproduction in sustaining life forms.
To render productive or fruitful; to enrich.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "fertilise" derives from the Latin term "fertilis", meaning "fruitful" or "productive". It, in turn, comes from the Latin verb "fero", which means "to bear" or "to produce". The suffix "-ize" is added to the word "fertil" in Middle English as part of the process of verbing nouns, creating the verb form "fertilize". Additionally, in some regions, including the United Kingdom, the spelling "fertilise" with an "s" is used.