intercross

American  

[in-ter-kraws, -kros, in-ter-kraws, -kros] / ˌɪn tərˈkrɔs, -ˈkrɒs, ˈɪn tərˌkrɔs, -ˌkrɒs /

verb (used with object)

1. to cross one with another; place across each other.

2. to cross (each other), as streets; intersect.

3. to cross in interbreeding.

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verb (used without object)

1. to cross each other; intersect.

2. to interbreed.

noun

1. an instance of cross-fertilization.

intercross British  

/ ˌɪntəˈkrɒs /

verb

1. another word for crossbreed

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Etymology

Origin of intercross

First recorded in 1705–15; inter- + cross

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

intercross

We have also seen that as plants became more highly developed and affixed to the ground, they would be compelled to be anemophilous in order to intercross.

From Effects of Cross and Self Fertilisation in the Vegetable Kingdom by Darwin, Charles

This proves that the oak family is young, compared with many other families, whose members are too distantly related to intercross.

From Trees Worth Knowing by Rogers, Julia Ellen

He says, for example:— In the case of methodical selection, a breeder selects for some definite object, and if the individuals be allowed freely to intercross, his work will completely fail.

From Darwin, and After Darwin (Vol 3 of 3) Post-Darwinian Questions: Isolation and Physiological Selection by Romanes, George John

But these facts do not make me doubt that it is a general law of nature that the individuals of the same species occasionally intercross, and that some great advantage is derived from this act.

From The Variation of Animals and Plants Under Domestication, Volume II (of 2) by Darwin, Charles

The fully-developed males and females are winged, and individuals from distinct nests can hardly fail often to intercross.

From Effects of Cross and Self Fertilisation in the Vegetable Kingdom by Darwin, Charles

Related Words

• crossbreed
• hybridize
• interbreed
• mix