Skip to main content
to intergrade

to intergrade

8.0
To blend gradually so two kinds make plants or animals with mixed features
  • verb
  • /ˈɪntərˌɡreɪd/
  • Specialized
translation icon : intergradar
  • In northern Georgia, the two milksnake subspecies gradually intergrade, resulting in unique color patterns.

Examples

  • 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.

  • Some plant species intergrade in regions where their habitats overlap, leading to hybrid varieties.

Synonyms

to intermingle
vsto intergrade
6 5.2

Mix together so the parts are hard to tell apart

focuses on slow merging that creates intermediate types not just indistinct mixing
to intermix
vsto intergrade
2 5.6

Combine different things so they become one or hard to separate

emphasizes gradual blending into intermediate groups rather than simple homogenizing
to interbreed
vsto intergrade
1 6.5

To mate with another animal or plant of a different type

describes gradual merging into intermediate forms rather than direct genetic crossing
to interpenetrate
vsto intergrade
1 8.2

To mix by passing parts through each other

means gradual formation of intermediate forms instead of physical passing through

How Blended

to fuse
44 3.9
to merge
192 3.2
to intergrade
  • Specialized
8.0
to mix
416 1.0

Surface Forms

intergrade infinitive
intergraded past participle
intergrading present participle
intergrades third person singular

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.