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open-pollinated

American  
[oh-puhn-pol-uh-ney-tid] / ˈoʊ pənˈpɒl əˌneɪ tɪd /

adjective

Botany.
  1. (of a flower) pollinated without human agency.


Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of open-pollinated

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The work began with seed shared by colleagues at Adaptive Seeds in Oregon, a catalog rich with open-pollinated food and flowers.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 24, 2022

These tomatoes are open-pollinated, which makes them more genetically diverse and allows them to adapt to local growing conditions and changing climates.

From Salon • Jul. 31, 2021

So research whether your variety is open-pollinated — and if not, enjoy the surprise.

From New York Times • Sep. 16, 2020

Angie Lavezzo of Sow True Seed in Asheville, N.C., is a self-professed “heirloom seed nut” who is always looking for heritage, open-pollinated varieties to add to the company’s catalogue.

From Washington Post • Nov. 25, 2019

Dry gardeners who will want to cut side shoots for as long as possible during summer from large, well-established plants may prefer crude, open-pollinated varieties.

From Gardening Without Irrigation: or without much, anyway by Solomon, Steve

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