cross-fertilization

noun

cross-fer·​til·​i·​za·​tion ˈkrȯs-ˌfər-tə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce cross-fertilization (audio)
1
a
: fertilization in which the gametes are produced by separate individuals or sometimes by individuals of different kinds
2
: interchange or interaction (as between different ideas, cultures, or categories) especially of a broadening or productive nature

Examples of cross-fertilization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Politics and journalism had its share of cross-fertilization with figures such as George Stephanopoulos and the late Tim Russert. David Bauder, Quartz, 29 Mar. 2024 Music has historically been the country’s ethnically richest art form, particularly embodied in the multicultural story of jazz and in today’s cross-fertilization between popular genres. Erik Gleibermann, Washington Post, 20 Apr. 2023 Strong relationships support innovation, enabling the cross-fertilization of new concepts. Ann Kowal Smith, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cross-fertilization.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of cross-fertilization was in 1870

Dictionary Entries Near cross-fertilization

Cite this Entry

“Cross-fertilization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cross-fertilization. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

cross-fertilization

noun
cross-fer·​til·​i·​za·​tion
ˈkrȯs-ˌfərt-ᵊl-ə-ˈzā-shən
1
: fertilization between sex cells produced by separate individuals or sometimes by individuals of different kinds
2
cross-fertile
-ˈfərt-ᵊl
adjective
cross-fertilize
-ˈfərt-ᵊl-ˌīz
verb

Medical Definition

cross-fertilization

noun
cross-fer·​til·​iza·​tion
variants or British cross-fertilisation
: fertilization in which the gametes are produced by separate individuals or sometimes by individuals of different kinds

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