The word "infertile" is spelled with the prefix "in-" meaning "not" and the root word "fertile" meaning "able to produce offspring." The proper phonetic transcription of "infertile" is /ɪnˈfərtəl/. The stress is on the second syllable, represented by the apostrophe symbol. This word is commonly used to describe the inability to conceive or produce offspring. It is important to ensure correct spelling to effectively communicate the intended meaning.
Infertile is an adjective that refers to the inability to conceive or produce offspring. It can describe individuals, animals, or even soil or land that are unable to reproduce or sustain life. The term primarily relates to the failure to achieve pregnancy for a specified period of time, despite regular, unprotected sexual intercourse.
In the context of human fertility, infertile individuals often experience difficulties in conceiving a child, either due to physical, hormonal, or reproductive system-related issues. Infertility can affect both men and women and can be caused by various factors, including age, genetic disorders, hormonal imbalances, structural abnormalities, or underlying medical conditions. Additionally, lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor nutrition, and stress can also contribute to infertility.
When referring to animals, infertility refers to the incapacity to produce offspring or reproduce. This could be due to various reasons such as genetic defects, hormonal imbalances, infections, or advanced age. In veterinary medicine, diagnosing infertility in animals is crucial for breeding purposes, as it allows the selection of suitable breeding pairs with optimal fertility rates.
Moreover, infertile can also describe soil or land that lacks the necessary nutrients or conditions to support the growth of plants or crops. Infertile land may have low levels of essential minerals, insufficient organic matter, or improper pH levels, resulting in limited plant growth and productivity.
Not fruitful or productive; barren.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "infertile" has Latin roots. It is derived from the Latin word "infertilis", which is a combination of the prefix "in-" (meaning "not") and the stem "fertilis" (meaning "fertile" or "fruitful"). Thus, "infertilis" indicates the negation or absence of fertility or the ability to produce offspring. Over time, the word "infertilis" evolved into "infertile" in English with a similar meaning.