cross-pollination

American  

[kraws-pol-uh-ney-shuhn, kros-] / ˈkrɔsˌpɒl əˈneɪ ʃən, ˈkrɒs- /

noun

1. Botany. the transfer of pollen from the flower of one plant to the flower of a plant having a different genetic constitution.

2. a sharing or interchange of knowledge, ideas, etc., as for mutual enrichment; cross-fertilization.

---

cross-pollination British  

noun

1. the transfer of pollen from the anthers of one flower to the stigma of another flower by the action of wind, insects, etc Compare self-pollination

---

cross-pollination Scientific  

1. The transfer of pollen from the male reproductive organ (an anther or a male cone) of one plant to the female reproductive organ (a stigma or a female cone) of another plant. Insects and wind are the main agents of cross-pollination. Most plants reproduce by cross-pollination, which increases the genetic diversity of a population (increases the number of heterozygous individuals). Mechanisms that promote cross-pollination include having male flowers on one plant and female flowers on another, having pollen mature before the stigmas on the same plant are chemically receptive to being pollinated, and having anatomical arrangements (such as stigmas that are taller than anthers) that make self-pollination less likely.

---

Etymology

Origin of cross-pollination

First recorded in 1880–85

Compare meaning

How does cross-pollination compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• self-pollination vs. cross-pollination

Example Sentences

This means they need cross pollination from a different variety to set fruit.

From Salon • Mar. 25, 2024

If you decide to plant apple trees, order two for cross pollination, and don’t forget to order plenty of apple-maggot barriers, as well.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 28, 2023

“Xaybu: The Unseen,” offers yet another way to hear the contemporary cross pollination of classical, rap and jazz.

From New York Times • Oct. 20, 2022

There are lots of hawkweeds in Wales, which reproduce through what Robbie calls "an incredible strategy" of producing a maternal clone of themselves, so they do not need cross pollination.

From BBC • Aug. 28, 2021

The chances of making suitable crosses between the pecan and hickory are most difficult yet it appears that these chance crosses result from time to time as in the hican through natural cross pollination.

From Northern Nut Growers Association Report of the Proceedings at the 43rd Annual Meeting Rockport, Indiana, August 25, 26 and 27, 1952 by Northern Nut Growers Association