cross-fertilize
verb
cross-fer·til·ize
ˈkrȯs-ˈfər-tə-ˌlīz 
cross-fertilized; cross-fertilizing; cross-fertilizes
: to accomplish cross-fertilization of
: to undergo cross-fertilization
Examples of cross-fertilize in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
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
City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Oct. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cross-fertilize.' 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
1876, in the meaning defined at transitive sense
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 16 Apr. 2024.
Copy Citation
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
: to accomplish cross-fertilization of
: to undergo cross-fertilization
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share