Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

heterosis

[het-uh-roh-sis]
See more synonyms for heterosis on Thesaurus.com
noun Genetics.
  1. the increase in growth, size, fecundity, function, yield, or other characters in hybrids over those of the parents.
Show More

Origin of heterosis

First recorded in 1910–15, heterosis is from the Late Greek word hetérōsis an alteration. See hetero-, -sis
Also called hybrid vigor.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
British Dictionary definitions for heterosis

heterosis

noun
  1. biology another name for hybrid vigour
Show More

Word Origin

C19: from Late Greek: alteration, from Greek heteroioun to alter, from heteros other, different
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