I. ˌfərˈtiləd.ē, fə̄ˈ-, fəiˈ-, _fə(r)ˈ-, -lətē, -i noun
( -es )
Etymology: Middle English fertilite, from Middle French fertilité, from Latin fertilitas, from fertilis fertile + -itas -ity
1. : the quality or state of being fertile:
a. : an actual state of productive abundance
insure the fertility of the rice crop
a theme he develops with fertility and power
b. : a capacity for producing or reproducing
the fertility of the theory should provoke new developments in research
a high degree of fertility in one member of a childless couple and relative infertility in the other
c. : a capacity to provide the necessary nutriments or conditions for plant growth
used manure to keep up the fertility of their land
d. : actual reproductive capacity as measured by production of offspring
a ram of proven fertility
a breed noted for its high fertility
— compare fecundity
2. : the birthrate of a population (as of a national, religious, or ethnic group) : reproductive performance — opposed to mortality
II. adjective
1. : of or relating to fertility
the serpent was a fertility symbol — A.P.Davies
fertility statistics
2. : of or associated with a fertility cult
fertility rites practiced by the Canaanites
fertility gods
fertility myths
also : believed to promote the fertility of the land and its animals and people
fertility dances surviving in medieval Europe