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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

intercross

In other words, this is the day on which those charming little missives, ycleped Valentines, cross and intercross each other at every street and turning.

From The Works of Charles and Mary Lamb — Volume 2 Elia and The Last Essays of Elia by Charles Lamb

Why then do not the varieties occasionally intercross, though this would not often happen, as insects so rarely act in an efficient manner?

From Effects of Cross and Self Fertilisation in the Vegetable Kingdom 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

Pisum sativum, varieties of, rarely intercross, but a cross between them highly beneficial.

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

In the case of methodical selection, a breeder selects for some definite object, and if the individuals be allowed freely to intercross, his work will completely fail.

From The Origin of Species by means of Natural Selection, 6th Edition by Charles Darwin

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Related Words

• crossbreed
• hybridize
• interbreed
• mix

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