An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

Physics: (of nuclear material) Able to become → fissile by → neutron capture.

Etymology (EN): M.E., from M.Fr. fertil, from L. fertilis “bearing in abundance, fruitful, productive,” from ferre “to bear,” from PIE root *bher- “to carry,” also “to bear children,” cognate with Pers. bordan “to carry, bear,” → refer.

Etymology (PE): Bârvar, literally “fruitful,” from bâr “fruit; flower; load; charge”

• possession suffix -var, related to bordan “to bear, carry,” as above.