pol·li·nate \ˈpäləˌnāt, usu -ād.+V\transitive verb (-ed/-ing/-s) Etymology:pollin- + -ate, v. suffix 1.: to apply pollen to the stigma of (a flower or plant) < insects or wind pollinate the majority of plants > < pollinate each flower by hand > 2.: to mark or smudge with or as if with pollen