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, adjectiveWords nearby self-fertilization
self-explanatory,
self-expression,
self-feed,
self-feeder,
self-fertile,
self-fertilization,
self-financing,
self-flattery,
self-forgetful,
self-forgetting,
self-fulfilling
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, adjectiveScientific definitions for self-fertilization
self-fertilization
[ sĕlf′fûr′tl-ĭ-zā′shən ]
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.