heterosis

[het-uh-roh-sis]

noun

Genetics.

1. the increase in growth, size, fecundity, function, yield, or other characters in hybrids over those of the parents.

heterosis

/ ˌhɛtəˈrəʊsɪs /

noun

1. biology another name for hybrid vigour

Word History and Origins

Origin of heterosis¹

First recorded in 1910–15, heterosis is from the Late Greek word hetérōsis an alteration. See hetero-, -sis

Word History and Origins

Origin of heterosis¹

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