An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

Biology: To impregnate, to fertilize.

Etymology (EN): L. fecundetus “made fruitful, fertilized,” p.p. of fcundare, from fecundus “fruitful, fertile, productive,” from L. root *fe-, corresponding to PIE *dhe(i)- “to suck, suckle;” cf. Skt. dhayati “sucks,” dhayah “nourishing;” Gk. thele “mother’s breast, nipple,” thelys “female, fruitful;” Mid.Pers. dâyag “(wet-)nurse;” Mod.Pers. dâyé “(wet-)nurse;” Proto-Iranian *daH- “to suck, suckle;” O.C.S. dojiti “to suckle,” dojilica “nurse;” Lith. dele “leech;” Goth. daddjan “to suckle;” O.H.G. tila “female breast.”

Etymology (PE): Gošnidan, from gošn “male,” Mid.Pers. gušn; cf. Av. varšni- “male;” Skt. vrsan-.