cross-fertilization

[ kraws-fur-tl-uh-zey-shuhn, kros- ]

noun

1. 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.
2. Botany. fertilization of the flower of one plant by a gamete from the flower of a closely related plant ( self-fertilization ).
3. (not in technical use) cross-pollination.
4. 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.

cross-fertilization

noun

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

cross-fertilization

1. 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.
2. Also called allogamy
3. Compare self-fertilization

cross-fertilization

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

Derived Forms

• ˌcross-ˈfertile, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cross-fertilization¹

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

But the cross-fertilization of advertising and art also worked the other way.

From The Daily Beast

As you watch, any feeling of there being some mystery about cross fertilization will be dispelled.

From Project Gutenberg

Dr. Gray thought it very likely there would; for, when cross-fertilization is not effected, self-fertilization often takes place.

From Project Gutenberg

I think the evidence of the self-fertilization is far clearer than that of the cross-fertilization.

From Project Gutenberg

Please take the trouble to read on perforation of the corolla by Bees, p. 425 of my 'Cross-fertilization,' to end of chapter.

From Project Gutenberg

He takes native plants and by selection and cross-fertilization improves them.

From Project Gutenberg