intercross

American  

[in-ter-kraws, -kros, in-ter-kraws, -kros] / ˌɪn tərˈkrɔs, -ˈkrɒs, ˈɪn tərˌkrɔs, -ˌkrɒs /

verb (used with object)

1. to cross one with another; place across each other.

2. to cross (each other), as streets; intersect.

3. to cross in interbreeding.

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verb (used without object)

1. to cross each other; intersect.

2. to interbreed.

noun

1. an instance of cross-fertilization.

intercross British  

/ ˌɪntəˈkrɒs /

verb

1. another word for crossbreed

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Etymology

Origin of intercross

First recorded in 1705–15; inter- + cross

Example Sentences

Both species are grown in pure form in Korea, and they intercross readily, and we do not regard it as a new species.

From Northern Nut Growers Association Report of the Proceedings at the 44th Annual Meeting Rochester, N.Y. August 31 and September 1, 1953 by Northern Nut Growers Association

From the curving inwards of the two lobes, as they move towards each other, the straight marginal spikes intercross by their tips at first, and ultimately by their bases.

From Insectivorous Plants by Darwin, Charles

For the sides approach in an arching way, surrounding a considerable cavity, and the marginal spine-like bristles merely intercross their tips, leaving intervening spaces through which one may look into the cavity beneath.

From Darwiniana; Essays and Reviews Pertaining to Darwinism by Gray, Asa

I know nothing about the self-fertility of Trollius Lecoq 'De la Fecondation' 1862 page 93, Mahonia, and Crinum, in which genera the species intercross largely.

From Effects of Cross and Self Fertilisation in the Vegetable Kingdom by Darwin, Charles

So it must be, owing merely to the prepotency of foreign pollen, with cabbages and various other plants, the varieties of which almost invariably intercross when grown together.

From Effects of Cross and Self Fertilisation in the Vegetable Kingdom by Darwin, Charles

Related Words

• crossbreed
• hybridize
• interbreed
• mix