noun. The act of fecundating; impregnation.

noun. The act by which, either in animals or plants, material prepared by the generative organs the female organism is brought in contact with matter from the organs of the male, so that a new organism results; impregnation; fertilization.

noun. The process whereby a new organism is produced by fertilization

noun. creation by the physical union of male and female gametes; of sperm and ova in an animal or pollen and ovule in a plant

noun. making fertile as by applying fertilizer or manure

"-- After the union of the two elements, known as fecundation or _conception_, if the conditions are favorable, development occurs, and the little germ is in due process of time developed into an individual which is an exact counterpart of its parents."