vernalize

[vur-nl-ahyz]

verb (used with object), ver·nal·ized, ver·nal·iz·ing.

to shorten the growth period of (a plant) by chilling or other special treatment of it, its seeds, or its bulbs.

Also especially British, ver·nal·ise.

Origin of vernalize

First recorded in 1820–30; vernal + -ize

Related formsver·nal·i·za·tion, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for vernalize

vernalize

vernalise

verb

to subject ungerminated or germinating seeds to low temperatures, which is essential for many (plants) of temperate environments to ensure germination in some species and flowering in others

Derived Formsvernalization or vernalisation, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012