self-fertilization

[ self-fur-tl-uh-zey-shuh n, self- ]
/ ˈsɛlfˌfɜr tl əˈzeɪ ʃən, ˌsɛlf- /

noun

Botany. fertilization of an ovum of a plant by a male gamete from the same flower (opposed to cross-fertilization).
Zoology. fertilization of the ovum of a hermaphroditic animal by a sperm from the same individual, as in some species of tapeworm.

Origin of self-fertilization

First recorded in 1855–60

OTHER WORDS FROM self-fertilization

self-fer·ti·lized, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for self-fertilization

British Dictionary definitions for self-fertilization

self-fertilization

noun

fertilization in a plant or animal by the fusion of male and female gametes produced by the same individual Compare cross-fertilization

Derived forms of self-fertilization

self-fertilized, adjective self-fertilizing or self-fertile, adjective

Scientific definitions for self-fertilization

self-fertilization
[ sĕlf′fûr′tl-ĭ-zāshən ]

Fertilization that occurs when male and female gametes produced by the same organism unite. Self-fertilization occurs in many protozoans and invertebrate animals. It results from self-pollination in plants. Self-fertilization allows an isolated individual organism to reproduce but restricts the genetic diversity of a community. Compare cross-fertilization.