cross-fertilize
[kraws-fur-tl-ahyz, kros-]
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
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Related Words for cross-fertilize
breed, cross-fertilize, crossbreed, mingle, blend, interbreed, mongrelize, cross-pollinate, cross-mate, intercrossExamples 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 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
verb
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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cross-fertilization
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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