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

Whitehouse says insects' role in the ecosystem includes pollinating crops, controlling pests, decompose waste and recycling nutrients.

From BBC

For many varieties, if you want a crop, then the flowers have to pollinated in the dark, often by hand.

From BBC

In some plant insect relationships, the insect both pollinates the plant and uses the fruit as a place for its offspring to grow.

From Science Daily

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

Related Words

• fertilize