cross-fertilize

verb

cross-fer·​til·​ize ˈkrȯs-ˈfər-tə-ˌlīz How to pronounce cross-fertilize (audio)
cross-fertilized; cross-fertilizing; cross-fertilizes

transitive verb

: to accomplish cross-fertilization of

intransitive verb

: to undergo cross-fertilization

Examples of cross-fertilize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The goal is to spawn the males to cross-fertilize with the females to increase the genetic diversity of the sunflower star populations. City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Oct. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of cross-fertilize was in 1876

Dictionary Entries Near cross-fertilize

Cite this Entry

“Cross-fertilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cross-fertilize. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

cross-fertilize

verb
cross-fer·​til·​ize
variants or British cross-fertilise
cross-fertilized or British cross-fertilised; cross-fertilizing or British cross-fertilising

transitive verb

: to accomplish cross-fertilization of

intransitive verb

: to undergo cross-fertilization
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!