cross-fertilization

[ kraws-fur-tl-uh-zey-shuhn, kros- ]

/ ˈkrɔsˌfɜr tl əˈzeɪ ʃən, ˈkrɒs- /

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noun

Biology. the fertilization of an organism by the fusion of an egg from one individual with a sperm or male gamete from a different individual.

Botany. fertilization of the flower of one plant by a gamete from the flower of a closely related plant (opposed to self-fertilization).

(not in technical use) cross-pollination.

interaction or interchange, as between two or more cultures, fields of activity or knowledge, or the like, that is mutually beneficial and productive: a cross-fertilization of scientific and technical disciplines.

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Origin of cross-fertilization

First recorded in 1875–80

Words nearby cross-fertilization

cross-examine, cross-eye, cross-eyed, cross-fade, cross-fertile, cross-fertilization, cross-fertilize, cross-file, crossfire, crossfoot, cross fox

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use cross-fertilization in a sentence

But the cross-fertilization of advertising and art also worked the other way.
Charles Saatchi: From Saatchi & Saatchi to Allegedly Choking Nigella Lawson|Peter Jukes|June 18, 2013|DAILY BEAST
As you watch, any feeling of there being some mystery about cross fertilization will be dispelled.
Book of Monsters|David Fairchild and Marian Hubbard (Bell) Fairchild
Dr. Gray thought it very likely there would; for, when cross-fertilization is not effected, self-fertilization often takes place.
Scientific American Supplement, No. 467, December 13, 1884|Various
I think the evidence of the self-fertilization is far clearer than that of the cross-fertilization.
The Contemporary Review, Volume 36, December 1879|Various

Please take the trouble to read on perforation of the corolla by Bees, p. 425 of my 'Cross-fertilization,' to end of chapter.
Darwin, and After Darwin, Volume II (of 3)|George John Romanes
He takes native plants and by selection and cross-fertilization improves them.
Reconstruction in Philosophy|John Dewey

British Dictionary definitions for cross-fertilization

cross-fertilization

noun

fertilization by the fusion of male and female gametes from different individuals of the same speciesCompare self-fertilization

Derived forms of cross-fertilization

cross-fertile, adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for cross-fertilization

cross-fertilization

The fertilization that occurs when the nucleus of a male sex cell from one individual joins with the nucleus of a female sex cell from another individual. In plants, cross-pollination is an example of cross-fertilization. Also called allogamy Compare self-fertilization.

Other words from cross-fertilization

cross-fertilize verb

Cultural definitions for cross-fertilization

cross-fertilization

The fertilization of the ovum of one plant by the sperm of another plant.