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

See Examples For:

intercross

Column 3: Plants from an intercross between the Plants of the Eighth Self-fertilised Generation.

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

Lathyrus odoratus, varieties of, never naturally intercross in England.

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

I have seen several times bees visiting common and sweet peas, and yet varieties, purposely grown close together, hardly ever intercross.

From More Letters of Charles Darwin — Volume 2 by Sir Francis Darwin

But these facts do not make me doubt that it is a general law of nature that the individuals of the same species occasionally intercross, and that some great advantage is derived from this act.

From The Variation of Animals and Plants Under Domestication, Volume II (of 2) by Charles Darwin

There is no doubt that these three pheasants, namely, the common, the true ring-necked, and the Japan, intercross, and are becoming blended together in the woods of several parts of England.

From On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection or the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life. (2nd edition) by Charles Darwin

Related Words

• crossbreed
• hybridize
• interbreed
• mix