pollinate

American  

[pol-uh-neyt] / ˈpɒl əˌneɪt /

verb (used with object)

Botany.

pollinated, pollinating

1. to convey pollen to the stigma of (a flower).

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pollinate British  

/ ˈpɒlɪˌneɪt /

verb

1. (tr) to transfer pollen from the anthers to the stigma of (a flower)

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Other Word Forms

• interpollinate verb
• overpollinate verb (used with object)
• pollination noun
• pollinator noun

Etymology

Origin of pollinate

1870–75; < New Latin pollin- (stem of pollen ) pollen + -ate ¹

Example Sentences

Also called the ajo lily, it grows from a deep bulb, has long, wavy-edged leaves and is pollinated by sphinx moths.

From Los Angeles Times

Bees are responsible for pollinating roughly one-third of the crops grown around the world, making their health critical for food systems, food security and communities everywhere.

From Science Daily

Lucifer - which means "light bringer" in Latin - is also a reference to shining light on the need for better conservation of native bee species and greater understanding of how endangered plants are pollinated, she said.

From BBC

Pumpkins need to be pollinated to produce fruit.

From BBC

Honeybees are a vital part of food production and contribute to pollinating 70% of leading global crops.

From BBC

Related Words

• fertilize