cross-link

noun

ˈkrȯs-ˌliŋk 

: a crosswise connecting part (such as an atom or group) that connects parallel chains in a complex chemical molecule (such as a polymer)

cross-link verb

Examples of cross-link in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The best guess Adams could make was that their strands have more cross-links than ours--weak chemical bonds at points where strands are coiled close together. — Will Hively, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2019

As the skin transitions to adulthood, fibroblasts work to cross-link those collagen bundles. — Alison Escalante, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025

An accelerator has cross-linked those polymers to make the plastics and synthetic rubber more durable. — Paul Sutter, Space.com, 23 Sep. 2025

During this procedure, collagen strands are cross-linked together, strengthening the cornea. — Neelam Patadia, The Conversation, 27 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cross-link

• bethink
• downlink
• groupthink
• hoodwink
• rethink
• uplink
• blink
• brink
• chink
• cinque
• clink
• dink

Kids Definition

cross-link

noun

ˈkrȯ-ˌsliŋk

: an atom or group of atoms that is a crosswise connection between two long series of atoms of a molecule

cross-link verb

Medical Definition

cross-link

noun

ˈkrȯ-ˌsliŋk 

: a crosswise connecting part (as an atom or group) that connects parallel chains in a complex chemical molecule (as a protein)

cross-link verb