vernalize

[ vur-nl-ahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, ver·nal·ized, ver·nal·iz·ing.

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

vernalize

/ ˈvɜːnəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. 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 Forms

• ˌvernaliˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• vernal·i·zation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of vernalize¹

First recorded in 1820–30; vernal + -ize

Example Sentences

However, this stable silenced or 'vernalized' state must be reset in each generation.

From Nature

Mayberry, now retired in Colorado, went on to cross Imperial Star with varieties he found in Peru and developed the first vernalized purple artichoke variety, Colorado Star.

From Washington Post

We vernalize artichokes, which survive winter in moderate climates and, as biennials, bear the second year.

From Washington Post

These findings suggest that resetting the vernalized state is a process of de novo FLC activation in the pro-embryo by an embryonic transcription factor and occurs regardless of whether parental plants have been vernalized.

From Nature

This process, known as vernalizing, was pioneered at a number of research stations, including one at Virginia Tech.

From Washington Post