cross-fertilize
[ kraws-fur-tl-ahyz, kros- ]
/ ˈkrɔsˈfɜr tlˌaɪz, ˈkrɒs- /
verb (used with object), cross-fer·ti·lized, cross-fer·ti·liz·ing.
to cause the cross-fertilization of.
verb (used without object), cross-fer·ti·lized, cross-fer·ti·liz·ing.
to undergo cross-fertilization.
Also
especially British,
cross-fer·ti·lise.
Origin of cross-fertilize
First recorded in 1875–80
OTHER WORDS FROM cross-fertilize
cross-fer·ti·liz·a·ble, adjectiveWords nearby cross-fertilize
cross-eye,
cross-eyed,
cross-fade,
cross-fertile,
cross-fertilization,
cross-fertilize,
cross-file,
cross-garnet,
cross-gartered,
cross-grained,
cross-index
Example sentences from the Web for cross-fertilize
Professor Lake: I can't see any reason, but that if there are present any of the native trees, they are bound to cross-fertilize.
Northern Nut Growers Association Report of the Proceedings at the Second Annual Meeting |Northern Nut Growers Association
British Dictionary definitions for cross-fertilize
cross-fertilize
verb
to subject or be subjected to cross-fertilization
Scientific definitions for cross-fertilize
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.