intergrade

American  

[in-ter-greyd, in-ter-greyd] / ˈɪn tərˌgreɪd, ˌɪn tərˈgreɪd /

noun

1. an intermediate grade, form, stage, etc.

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verb (used without object)

intergraded, intergrading

1. to merge gradually, one into another, as different species through evolution.

intergrade British  

verb

1. (intr) (esp of biological species, etc) to merge one into another

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noun

1. an intermediate stage or form

Other Word Forms

• intergradation noun
• intergradational adjective
• intergradient adjective

Etymology

Origin of intergrade

First recorded in 1870–75; inter- + grade

Example Sentences

Both the nesting habits and eggs of this variety are the same as the last, with which species, the birds gradually intergrade as their ranges approach. 308b.

From The Bird Book Illustrating in natural colors more than seven hundred North American birds; also several hundred photographs of their nests and eggs. by Reed, Chester A. (Chester Albert)

The two subspecies of the Violet-green Swallow, thalassina and lepida, intergrade in Coahuila.

From Birds from Coahuila, Mexico by Urban, Emil K.

Most likely this is the result of an examination of the intergrades only, for they do intergrade with the California species to the northward.

From Game Birds and Game Fishes of the Pacific Coast by Payne, Harry Thom

The subspecies cahooni and compositus of the Brown-throated Wren seem to intergrade in the southern part of the State.

From Birds from Coahuila, Mexico by Urban, Emil K.

Previously the two kinds were thought not to intergrade and were regarded as two species.

From Speciation of the Wandering Shrew by Findley, James S.