backcross

1 of 2

verb

back·​cross ˈbak-ˌkrȯs How to pronounce backcross (audio)
backcrossed; backcrossing; backcrosses

transitive verb

: to cross (a first-generation hybrid) with one of the parental types

backcross

2 of 2

noun

: a mating that involves backcrossing
also : an individual produced by backcrossing

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1898, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1900, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of backcross was in 1898

Rhymes for backcross

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Browse Nearby Words

backcourtmate
backcross
backdate
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Cite this Entry

“Backcross.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backcross. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

backcross

1 of 2 transitive verb
back·​cross ˈbak-ˌkrȯs How to pronounce backcross (audio)
: to cross (a first-generation hybrid) with one of the parental types

backcross

2 of 2 noun
: a mating that involves backcrossing
also : an individual produced by backcrossing

More from Merriam-Webster on backcross

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about backcross

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