self-pollination: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowformal
Quick answer
What does “self-pollination” mean?
The transfer of pollen from the anther to the stigma of the same flower or another flower on the same plant.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The transfer of pollen from the anther to the stigma of the same flower or another flower on the same plant.
Metaphorically, it can refer to any self-contained or self-reliant process, such as in social or intellectual contexts where ideas are developed internally without external input.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning, spelling, or pronunciation between British and American English.
Connotations
Neutral in both variants, strictly associated with biological processes.
Frequency
Equally low in everyday usage but common in academic and technical contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “self-pollination” in a Sentence
noun + verb (e.g., self-pollination ensures reproduction)adjective + noun (e.g., obligate self-pollination)prepositional phrase (e.g., self-pollination within the same plant)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “self-pollination” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Some pea plants can self-pollinate without insect assistance.
American English
- Tomatoes often self-pollinate when grown in greenhouses.
adjective
British English
- This is a self-pollinating cultivar of wheat.
American English
- We selected self-pollinating varieties for the orchard.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used; may appear in agricultural or biotechnology reports.
Academic
Common in biology, botany, genetics, and environmental science literature.
Everyday
Very rare; typically only in educational settings or gardening discussions.
Technical
Frequent in botanical research, horticulture, and agricultural sciences.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “self-pollination”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “self-pollination”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “self-pollination”
- Misspelling as 'self-polinization' or 'self-pollinization'; confusing with 'cross-pollination' in meaning.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Self-pollination is the process where pollen from the anther of a flower is transferred to the stigma of the same flower or another flower on the same plant, leading to fertilization.
Self-pollination is important because it allows crops to reproduce without relying on pollinators, ensuring seed production and crop yield in controlled environments.
The main disadvantage is reduced genetic diversity, which can make plants more susceptible to diseases and environmental changes.
No, not all flowering plants are capable of self-pollination; some have mechanisms like self-incompatibility to prevent it and encourage cross-pollination.
The transfer of pollen from the anther to the stigma of the same flower or another flower on the same plant.
Self-pollination is usually formal in register.
Self-pollination: in British English it is pronounced /ˌself pɒlɪˈneɪʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌself pɑːlɪˈneɪʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms; the term is technical.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'self' as in oneself and 'pollination' as pollen transfer; a plant pollinating itself to remember it involves no external agents.
Conceptual Metaphor
Used as a metaphor for self-sufficiency, introspection, or lack of external influence in fields like sociology or business.
Practice
Quiz
Which term is most closely related to self-pollination in genetics?