ENGLISH
REFERENCE

fertilizer

n. C / U
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈfɝtəˌɫaɪzɝ// fer·til·iz·er Vulgar

n. a natural or chemical substance that people add to soil to help plants grow faster and stronger.

n. a chemical or natural substance added to soil or land to increase its fertility and promote plant growth.


SIMPLE

The farmer spreads fertilizer on the fields in the spring.

CONTEXTUAL

Using too much chemical fertilizer can sometimes damage the local water supply if it washes away during heavy rain.

COMPLEX

While organic compost provides a slow release of nutrients, synthetic fertilizer offers a more immediate boost to crop yields, though it requires careful management to avoid soil degradation.

Origin

From fertilize + -er.

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the substance in general; countable when referring to specific types or brands of the product.

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