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

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

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

This proves that the oak family is young, compared with many other families, whose members are too distantly related to intercross.

From Trees Worth Knowing by Rogers, Julia Ellen

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

Much other indirect evidence could be given with respect to the extent to which varieties of the same species spontaneously intercross.

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

Related Words

• crossbreed
• hybridize
• interbreed
• mix