fertilizer

[fur-tl-ahy-zer]

noun

1. any substance used to fertilize the soil, especially a commercial or chemical manure.

2. a person, insect, etc., that fertilizes an animal or plant.

   Bees are fertilizers of flowers.

fertilizer

/ ˈfɜːtɪˌlaɪzə /

noun

1. any substance, such as manure or a mixture of nitrates, added to soil or water to increase its productivity

2. an object or organism such as an insect that fertilizes an animal or plant

fertilizer

1. Any of a large number of natural and synthetic materials, including manure and compounds containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, spread on or worked into soil to increase its capacity to support plant growth. Synthetic fertilizers can greatly increase the productivity of soil but have high energy costs, since fossil fuels are required as a source of hydrogen, which is necessary to fix nitrogen in ammonia.

Word History and Origins

Origin of fertilizer¹

First recorded in 1655–65; fertilize + -er ¹

Example Sentences

That trade is dominated by US purchases of raw materials for nuclear energy and fertilizers.

From BBC

A farmer in southwestern Hokkaido named Noboru Ohtaka came up with the idea for a so-called “ion bath” after stepping on a sawdust enzyme fertilizer he’d developed and noticing it felt pleasant.

From Los Angeles Times

That list includes ammonium nitrate, commonly available as a popular fertilizer at farm and garden stores.

From Los Angeles Times

On this day in mid-March, he’s delivering the ingredients for his famous organic fertilizer “cocktail” to clients around Malibu and Santa Monica, which will be used to feed Streisand’s collection of more than 800 roses.

From Los Angeles Times

Duties also threaten to curb imports of some fertilizer and pesticide supplies.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• manure