fertilize

Universal Words (BrE also fertilise) verb [VN] 1 to put POLLEN into a plant so that a seed develops; to join SPERM with an egg so that a baby or young animal develops: Flowers are often fertilized by bees as they gather nectar. * a fertilized egg 2 to add a substance to soil to make plants grow more successfully fertilization, fertilisation noun [U]: Immediately after fertilization, the cells of the egg divide. * the fertilization of soil with artificial chemicals