Fertilize

/ˈfɜːrtɪlaɪz/

Meaning & Definition

verb
To make (soil or land) more fertile or productive by adding substances to it.
Farmers often fertilize their crops to ensure a good yield.
To introduce nutrients to (a plant) to promote growth.
You should fertilize your houseplants regularly to help them thrive.
To impregnate (an egg) with sperm.
The scientist observed the process by which sperm fertilize the egg.

Etymology

From Latin 'fertilis', meaning 'fruitful, productive'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

fertilize the soil
To improve the soil's quality for better crop production.
fertilize ideas
To stimulate creativity or development of thoughts.
organic fertilization
Adding natural substances to enhance soil fertility.

Related Words

fertility
The ability to produce offspring or yield.
fertile
Having the ability to produce abundant vegetation or crops.
manure
Animal dung used for fertilizing land.

Slang Meanings

To enhance or improve something significantly.
They really fertilized their business model to attract more customers.
To seed an idea or concept.
He fertilized the discussion with some innovative thoughts.