pollination

noun

(L. pollen, pollinis: fine flour, mill dust) The transfer of pollen from an anther (the male reproductive organ), where it is formed, to a stigma (the receptive region of the female reproductive) organ, either of the same flower (self-pollination) or of a different flower of the same species (cross-pollination). Cross-pollination involves the action of a pollinating agent to effect transfer of the pollen. Pollination may be accomplished by the use of wind, water, insects, birds, bats, or other means. Pollination is usually followed by fertilization, in which sperm are released from the pollen grain to unite with the egg cell. See anemophily, entomophily, hydrophily, fertilization. incompatibility. Sometimes writtent pollenation.