Fertilization (noun)

1. The process of fertilizing an egg or ovum by the union of spermatozoon and ovum, resulting in the formation of a zygote.
2. The application of fertilizers to land to improve its fertility.
3. The act of making something fertile or productive.

Origin:

Early 17th century: from medieval latin fertilizatio(n-), from the verb fertilizare (see fertilize).

Examples:

1. Fertilization usually occurs when sperm meets an egg.
2. The farmer applied fertilization to the fields.
3. The process of fertilization in plants is called pollination.
4. In-vitro fertilization is a method of assisted reproduction.
5. Fertilization is essential for the growth of plants.