pollinate
|pol-li-nate|
🇺🇸
/ˈpɑːlɪneɪt/
🇬🇧
/ˈpɒlɪneɪt/
transfer pollen
Etymology
'pollinate' originates from Late Latin, specifically the word 'pollinare,' where 'pollen' meant 'fine flour, dust' (i.e., pollen) and the suffix '-are' formed verbs.
'pollinate' changed from Medieval/Latin forms such as 'pollinatus' and 'pollinare' and was borrowed into modern English scientific usage, ultimately becoming the English verb 'pollinate'.
Initially, it meant 'to apply or besmear with pollen/dust,' but over time it evolved into its current primary meaning 'to transfer pollen to enable fertilization' and gained a figurative sense of 'stimulating or spreading ideas.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to transfer pollen to the stigma, ovule, flower, or plant to enable fertilization and sexual reproduction (usually of plants), often performed by insects, birds, wind, or other agents.
Bees pollinate many of the world's food crops.
Synonyms
Verb 2
figuratively, to introduce or spread ideas, practices, or influences from one group or area to another so that they stimulate growth or change.
The workshop helped pollinate new ideas across different disciplines.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/15 11:36