to intergrade
- verb
- /ˈɪntərˌɡreɪd/
- Specialized
- In northern Georgia, the two milksnake subspecies gradually intergrade, resulting in unique color patterns.
Examples
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In sections of northern Georgia and Tennessee, the two milksnake subspecies are known to intergrade with varying results in pattern and coloration.
Blog text (12) -
Scientists observed how two closely related species of frogs intergrade in the wetlands, producing offspring with mixed traits.
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Some plant species intergrade in regions where their habitats overlap, leading to hybrid varieties.
Synonyms
Mix together so the parts are hard to tell apart
Combine different things so they become one or hard to separate
To mate with another animal or plant of a different type
To mix by passing parts through each other
How Blended
Surface Forms
Morphology
intergrade = grade (transparent) = inter + grade
The verb arises from adding 'inter-' to 'grade', giving a clear meaning of blending or producing intermediate grades.
Etymology
The verb intergrade comes from the parts inter-, meaning 'between', and grade, meaning 'step' or 'level', as in grade and gradient. So to intergrade is to blend or move slowly between two forms, creating middle types.