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 "Cross and Self-Fertilisation," page 156, Darwin quotes the information received from Delpino and referred to in the present letter—namely, that it is the fixed opinion of the Italian gardeners that the varieties do intercross.

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

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 Charles Darwin

On the other hand, with dichogamous plants, early or late flowers on the same individual may intercross; and a cross of this kind does hardly any or no good.

From The Different Forms of Flowers on Plants of the Same Species by Charles Darwin

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

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

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Related Words

• crossbreed
• hybridize
• interbreed
• mix

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