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

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 Darwin, Charles

It has been said in the case of this plant, as of so many others, that the flowers are fertilised in the bud, and that distinct plants or varieties can never naturally intercross.

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

We have also seen that as plants became more highly developed and affixed to the ground, they would be compelled to be anemophilous in order to intercross.

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

But if, in fact, all hermaphrodites do occasionally intercross, the difference between them and unisexual species is, as far as function is concerned, very small.

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

If two distinct breeds were mingled together in equal numbers, there is reason to suspect that they would to a certain extent prefer pairing with their own kind; but they would often intercross.

From The Variation of Animals and Plants under Domestication — Volume 2 by Darwin, Charles

Related Words

• crossbreed
• hybridize
• interbreed
• mix