fertilizer

American  

[fur-tl-ahy-zer] / ˈfɜr tlˌaɪ zər /

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.

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fertilizer British  

/ 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

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fertilizer Scientific  

/ fûr′tl-ī′zər /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of fertilizer

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

Example Sentences

Not to be confused with banana water for plants, a DIY fertilizer made by soaking banana peels in water to extract nutrients, such as potassium and vitamin C, for your flora.

From Los Angeles Times

Envoy John Coale said the U.S. will remove sanctions on Belarusian potash, a key component in fertilizers of which the former Soviet state is a leading global producer.

From The Wall Street Journal

In Maine, growing kelp for use in foods, cosmetics, fertilizer additives and other products is rapidly expanding, but it remains expensive to do.

From Science Daily

Hydrogen is used in several industries today, from fertilizer production to refining.

From Barron's

Their new research highlights an important biological clue that could help reduce agriculture's heavy reliance on artificial fertilizer.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• manure