fertilizer
UK: ˈfɜːtɪlaɪzə | US: ˈfɜːrtəlaɪzər
n. a substance (natural or chemical) added to soil to enhance plant growth
n. anything that promotes development or productivity
The word "fertilizer" traces back to Latin fertilis (fruitful, productive), derived from ferre (to bear). The suffix -ize (from Greek -izein) converts nouns/roots into verbs, while -er (Old English -ere) forms agent nouns. Originally describing natural manure, its meaning expanded to include synthetic compounds during the agricultural revolution. The morphemes reflect a logical progression: "to make productive" → "a thing that makes productive."
Farmers use organic fertilizer to enrich the soil.
The invention of chemical fertilizers revolutionized agriculture.
Compost is a sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilizers.
Excessive fertilizer runoff can harm aquatic ecosystems.
Education acts as a fertilizer for intellectual growth.