cross-fertilize
[kraws-fur-tl-ahyz, kros-]
- to cause the cross-fertilization of.
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- to undergo cross-fertilization.
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Also especially British, cross-fer·ti·lise.
Origin of cross-fertilize
First recorded in 1875–80
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
breedcross-fertilizecrossbreedmingleblendinterbreedmongrelizecross-pollinatecross-mateintercrossExamples from the Web for cross-fertilize
Historical Examples
For instance, a white oak and a bur oak grow near enough for the wind to "cross-fertilize" their pistillate flowers.
Trees Worth KnowingJulia Ellen Rogers
Professor Lake: I can't see any reason, but that if there are present any of the native trees, they are bound to cross-fertilize.
Northern Nut Growers Association Report of the Proceedings at the Second Annual MeetingNorthern Nut Growers Association
cross-fertilize
- to subject or be subjected to cross-fertilization
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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
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.
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The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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