self-sterile

[self-ster-il, -ahyl, self-]

adjective

Zoology.

1. incapable of self-fertilization.

Word History and Origins

Origin of self-sterile¹

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

The plant is considered self-sterile — it cannot fertilize itself with its own pollen — and relies on similar box huckleberries around it to reproduce, Dr. Pooler said.

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In a particular country or at certain seasons one flower will be self-sterile or nearly so, and another just the opposite.

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Only nearly related species can be hybridized; and the resulting progeny is usually self-sterile, but not always.

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Some varieties are self-sterile, yet quite capable of cross-fertilisation from the pollen of other varieties.

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Flowers self-sterile, open in mid-season; stamens reflexed.

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