cross-fertilization

[ kraws-fur-tl-uh-zey-shuh n, kros- ]
/ ˈkrɔsˌfɜr tl əˈzeɪ ʃən, ˈkrɒs- /

noun

Biology. the fertilization of an organism by the fusion of an egg from one individual with a sperm or male gamete from a different individual.
Botany. fertilization of the flower of one plant by a gamete from the flower of a closely related plant (opposed to self-fertilization).
(not in technical use) cross-pollination.
interaction or interchange, as between two or more cultures, fields of activity or knowledge, or the like, that is mutually beneficial and productive: a cross-fertilization of scientific and technical disciplines.

Origin of cross-fertilization

First recorded in 1875–80

Example sentences from the Web for cross-fertilization

British Dictionary definitions for cross-fertilization

cross-fertilization

noun

fertilization by the fusion of male and female gametes from different individuals of the same species Compare self-fertilization

Derived forms of cross-fertilization

cross-fertile, adjective

Scientific definitions for cross-fertilization

cross-fertilization

The fertilization that occurs when the nucleus of a male sex cell from one individual joins with the nucleus of a female sex cell from another individual. In plants, cross-pollination is an example of cross-fertilization. Also called allogamy Compare self-fertilization.

Other words from cross-fertilization

cross-fertilize verb

Cultural definitions for cross-fertilization

cross-fertilization

The fertilization of the ovum of one plant by the sperm of another plant.