What is the term used to describe the process of the sperm fertilizing the egg?

The term that describes the process of sperm fertilizing the egg is "conception." Conception occurs when a sperm cell successfully penetrates and fertilizes an ovum (egg), resulting in the formation of a zygote. This marks the beginning of pregnancy and is a crucial event in human reproduction.

Gestation refers to the period of development of the embryo or fetus inside the uterus, typically from conception until birth. Maturation generally describes the process of becoming mature, which can refer to various biological and physiological processes but is not specific to fertilization. Development encompasses the broader changes that occur in an organism from zygote to maturity, including growth and differentiation, but again, it does not specifically refer to the act of fertilization itself.