copulate
Join in reproduction
Copulate means to engage in sexual intercourse.
The word is clinical and detached, favored in scientific or formal contexts over earthier alternatives: The researchers observed the insects copulating.
It applies to animals and humans alike, though for humans it sounds deliberately technical or euphemistic.
Sexual intercourse, unmarried
Sexual intercourse between partners
- passionIntense emotional drive
- consummationFinal completion or achievement
- unionJoining into one
- embraceHold closely in arms
sensuality · desire · carnal · conjugal · coitus · intercourse · coupling · bedding
Formation of an idea
- fertilizationGamete fusion creating zygote
- inseminationIntroducing sperm for conception
- ovulationEgg discharge from ovary
- pregnancyCarrying developing offspring
gestation · embryo · offspring · fertility · impregnation · sperm · ovum · egg
fornicate
Sexual intercourse, unmarried
shag · romp · bang · bone · lay · pork · mount · rut · hook up · get it on
lovemaking
Sexual intercourse between partners
- passionIntense emotional drive
- consummationFinal completion or achievement
- unionJoining into one
embrace · sensuality · desire · carnal · conjugal · coitus · intercourse · coupling · bedding · relations
conception
Formation of an idea
- fertilizationGamete fusion creating zygote
- inseminationIntroducing sperm for conception
- ovulationEgg discharge from ovary
pregnancy · gestation · embryo · offspring · fertility · impregnation · sperm · ovum · egg · conceive
courtship
Seeking another's romantic favor
- breedingReproductive cultivation of organisms
- pairingJoining two together
- estrusOvulatory mating phase
pheromones · conjugation · spawning · nesting · rituals · display · territory · season · rut · heat
fertilization
Gamete fusion creating zygote
chromosomes · DNA · genetic · alleles · mitosis · cellular · organism · nucleus · genotype · phenotype