self-fertilization: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “self-fertilization” mean?
The fertilization of a flower by its own pollen, or an organism by its own gametes.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The fertilization of a flower by its own pollen, or an organism by its own gametes.
In a broader sense, can refer metaphorically to any process or system that is closed, self-contained, and draws exclusively from its own internal resources, lacking external input.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling difference: British English often retains the hyphen ('self-fertilisation'), while American English may move towards closed form ('selffertilization'). The '-ise' vs. '-ize' suffix applies: British 'self-fertilisation', American 'self-fertilization'.
Connotations
Identical in scientific contexts. Slight preference for the hyphenated form in edited British English.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects, confined to specialized discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “self-fertilization” in a Sentence
N undergoes self-fertilization.Self-fertilization occurs in N.The process of self-fertilization.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “self-fertilization” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Some pea varieties can self-fertilise under glass.
- The mechanism evolved to allow the plant to self-fertilise if no pollinators are present.
American English
- The isolated colony began to self-fertilize, reducing genetic diversity.
- This species rarely self-fertilizes in the wild.
adjective
British English
- A self-fertilising organism.
- The self-fertilisation process.
American English
- Self-fertilizing plants are useful for controlled breeding.
- They studied self-fertilizing populations.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphorical: 'The company's self-fertilization of ideas led to market stagnation.'
Academic
Literal in biology/botany papers: 'The species exhibits a high degree of self-fertilization.'
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Standard term in genetics, agriculture, and botany: 'The mechanism prevents self-fertilization.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “self-fertilization”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “self-fertilization”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “self-fertilization”
- Misspelling as one word: 'selffertilization'.
- Using it as a verb (the verb is 'self-fertilize').
- Confusing it with 'parthenogenesis' (reproduction without fertilization).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Self-fertilization involves the fusion of male and female gametes from the *same* individual (sexual reproduction). Asexual reproduction (e.g., budding) does not involve gamete fusion at all.
Yes, though it is rare. Some hermaphroditic invertebrates (e.g., certain snails, tapeworms) and a few vertebrate species like the mangrove killifish are capable of self-fertilization.
The direct opposite is cross-fertilization (or allogamy), where gametes from two different individuals combine.
The hyphen clarifies that 'self' modifies 'fertilization' as a single compound concept. Without it, the word can become visually confusing and difficult to parse correctly ('selffertilization').
The fertilization of a flower by its own pollen, or an organism by its own gametes.
Self-fertilization is usually technical/scientific in register.
Self-fertilization: in British English it is pronounced /ˌself fɜː.tɪ.laɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌself fɝː.t̬əl.əˈzeɪ.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SELF-sufficient plant that FERTILIZES ITSELF. It doesn't need a partner.
Conceptual Metaphor
ISOLATION IS SELF-FERTILIZATION; LACK OF EXTERNAL INPUT IS BIOLOGICAL INBREEDING.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the primary *biological* consequence of obligate self-fertilization over many generations?