What term is used for the joining of a woman's egg and a man's sperm?

The term that accurately describes the joining of a woman's egg and a man's sperm is fertilization. During fertilization, the genetic material from the sperm merges with that of the egg, resulting in the formation of a zygote, which is the first stage of development for a new embryo. This is a crucial initial step in reproduction, leading to the subsequent stages of conception and pregnancy.

Conception is often used interchangeably with fertilization, but it more broadly includes the process where the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining, which is actually implantation. Implantation refers specifically to the embedding of the fertilized egg in the uterus, while gestation is the period during which the embryo develops inside the womb. Each of these terms represents distinct phases of reproduction and development following the initial event of fertilization.