cross-fertilize

[kraws-fur-tl-ahyz, kros-]

See more synonyms for cross-fertilize on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object), cross-fer·ti·lized, cross-fer·ti·liz·ing.

to cause the cross-fertilization of.

verb (used without object), cross-fer·ti·lized, cross-fer·ti·liz·ing.

to undergo cross-fertilization.

Also especially British, cross-fer·ti·lise.

Origin of cross-fertilize

First recorded in 1875–80

Related formscross-fer·ti·liz·a·ble, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for cross-fertilize

breed, cross-fertilize, crossbreed, mingle, blend, interbreed, mongrelize, cross-pollinate, cross-mate, intercross

Examples from the Web for cross-fertilize

Historical Examples of cross-fertilize

For instance, a white oak and a bur oak grow near enough for the wind to "cross-fertilize" their pistillate flowers.
Trees Worth Knowing
Julia 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 Meeting
Northern Nut Growers Association

British Dictionary definitions for cross-fertilize

cross-fertilize

verb

to subject or be subjected to cross-fertilization

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-fertilize in Science

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.

Related formscross-fertilize verb