rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryinseminateIntroducing sperm
verb

inseminate

in-SEM-ih-nayt/ɪnˈsemɪneɪt/

To introduce reproductive seed so new growth can begin.

The catheter inseminates the uterus by introducing sperm-containing fluid through the cervix.

A clinical cutaway of a female reproductive tract shows an insemination catheter passing through the cervix and releasing semen into the uterine cavity, with a small magnified detail making the sperm-containing fluid identifiable.
Etymology
inLatinin, into
+seminLatinseed
+ateLatinpast-participle ending

“Seed” placed “in” supplies the original image of sowing or implanting. The reproductive meaning specializes that image to introducing semen rather than casting seed more generally.

In context

Nat Geo Animals17:28
Flatworm sex consists of the two attempting to stab their lover with their pointed pair and inseminate each other …
Freakiest Animals Across the Globe | MEGA EPISODE | Nat Geo Animals

More examples

  • The clinic uses donor sperm to inseminate patients.
  • The mare was inseminated yesterday but may not become pregnant.
  • The technician checks the timing before inseminating the animal.

Forms

inseminate · inseminates · inseminated · inseminating

insemination noun — The introduction of sperm for fertilization.

Similar words

fertilize
Means uniting sperm and egg, not merely introducing sperm.
impregnate
Means causing pregnancy, which insemination does not always achieve.