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to cross-fertilize

to cross-fertilize

7.2
To mix pollen from two different plants to make new kinds
  • verb
  • /ˈkrɔsˌfɜr.tɪ.laɪz/
  • Specialized
translation icon : fecundar cruzadamente
  • Gregor Mendel famously cross-fertilized pea plants to understand how traits are inherited.

Examples

  • Gardeners often cross-fertilize flowers in order to produce new and interesting varieties.

  • The scientists decided to cross-fertilize the two plant species to observe the characteristics of the hybrids.

  • The scientists plan to cross-fertilize the plants.

  • We need to cross-fertilize these two species.

  • Gardeners often cross-fertilize flowers in order to produce new and interesting varieties.

  • The scientists decided to cross-fertilize the two plant species to observe the characteristics of the hybrids.

  • Gregor Mendel famously cross-fertilized pea plants to understand how traits are inherited.

Synonyms

to cross
vsto cross-fertilize
  • Specialized
23 3.9

To breed two different varieties or species to produce offspring

is focused on genetic mixing generally not only on using parents
to hybridize
vsto cross-fertilize
  • Specialized
3 7.0

To cross two different plants or animals to make a new kind

is about any mixing of genetic material not only producing offspring
to crossbreed
vsto cross-fertilize
3 4.6

To make an animal or plant by mating two different kinds

includes genetic mixing by other means not only offspring from mating
to interbreed
vsto cross-fertilize
1 6.5

To mate with another animal or plant of a different type

is broader and covers any mixing of genetic material not only mating
to cross-pollinate
vsto cross-fertilize
  • Specialized
1 4.9

Move pollen from one flower to another so the plants can make seeds

is broader including genetic mixing by other methods beyond pollen transfer

Surface Forms

cross-fertilize infinitive
cross-fertilized past participle
cross-fertilizing present participle
cross-fertilizes third person singular

Morphology

cross-fertilize = fertilize (transparent) = cross + fertilize

The formation is a clear combination of the productive element 'cross-' and the verb 'fertilize' yielding the literal biological sense.

Etymology

Cross-fertilize comes from farming: cross means 'between' and fertilize means 'to make fertile' or 'help grow'. Gardeners mix pollen from one plant with another to combine their features, so to cross-fertilize is to mix two plants to make new types.