fertiliser
UK: /ˈfɜː.tɪ.laɪ.zər/ | US: /ˈfɜːr.t̬əl.aɪ.zər/
n. a substance (natural or artificial) added to soil to enhance plant growth
n. (figuratively) something that stimulates development or productivity
The word "fertiliser" originates from the Latin fertilis (fruitful, productive), combined with the verb-forming suffix -ise (from Greek -izein, indicating action) and the agentive suffix -er (Old English -ere). The term evolved in the 17th century to describe substances that enrich soil, reflecting its literal and figurative ties to growth. The morphemes logically progress from "fertile" → "to make fertile" → "a tool/person that makes fertile."
Farmers use organic fertiliser to improve crop yields.
Education acts as a fertiliser for innovation in society.
The government subsidises chemical fertilisers for small-scale farmers.
Overuse of fertilisers can harm groundwater quality.
Compost is a sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilisers.