fertile

fer-tile · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    (Of soil or land) capable of producing abundant vegetation or crops; rich in nutrients.

  2. 2.

    (Of a person, animal, or plant) able to conceive or reproduce offspring.

  3. 3.

    (Of a mind or imagination) producing many new and inventive ideas.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    fertile ground — conditions favorable for growth or development
  • •
    fertile imagination — a mind that produces many creative ideas
  • •
    Fertile Crescent — the historical region in the Middle East considered the birthplace of agriculture

Related words

Antonyms: barren, infertile, sterile
See also: barren, fertility, fertilize
Synonyms: fecund, fruitful, productive, rich

Etymology

From Latin fertilis ("fruitful, productive"), from ferre ("to bear, carry"). Entered English in the 15th century through Old French fertil.