cross-fertilize
[ kraws-fur-tl-ahyz, kros- ]
/ ˈkrɔsˈfɜr tlˌaɪz, ˈkrɒs- /
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.
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Nearby words
cross-eye, cross-eyed, cross-fade, cross-fertile, cross-fertilization, cross-fertilize, cross-file, cross-garnet, cross-gartered, cross-grained, cross-index
Also especially British, cross-fer·ti·lise.
Origin of cross-fertilize
First recorded in 1875–80
Related forms
cross-fer·ti·liz·a·ble, adjectiveDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for cross-fertilize
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
Science definitions for cross-fertilize
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 forms
cross-fertilize verbThe American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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