cross-link
noun
: 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
Likewise, many companies deploy behavior-tracking tools for analytics, but few question how this data might be repurposed or cross-linked.
—
Sarah Choudhary, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
As the skin transitions to adulthood, fibroblasts work to cross-link those collagen bundles.
—Alison Escalante, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
To strengthen their glue, mussels use two chemical groups, called catechols and thiols, which cross-link like the hooks and loops of Velcro.
—Michael Irving, New Atlas, 26 Feb. 2025
The key is to knead the mixture (by hand or in a stand mixture fitted with a paddle) until the proteins begin to unravel and cross-link, giving it a tacky texture that turns springy and juicy as the sausage cooks, releasing its flavorful fat to mingle with the sauce and cheese as the pizza bakes.
—J. Kenji López-Alt, New York Times, 17 Mar. 2023
This made the objects softer, because opening up the bonds reduces the amount of cross-linking in the polymer networks.
—IEEE Spectrum, 7 Mar. 2023
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
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.
Sarah Choudhary, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
As the skin transitions to adulthood, fibroblasts work to cross-link those collagen bundles.
—Alison Escalante, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
To strengthen their glue, mussels use two chemical groups, called catechols and thiols, which cross-link like the hooks and loops of Velcro.
—Michael Irving, New Atlas, 26 Feb. 2025
The key is to knead the mixture (by hand or in a stand mixture fitted with a paddle) until the proteins begin to unravel and cross-link, giving it a tacky texture that turns springy and juicy as the sausage cooks, releasing its flavorful fat to mingle with the sauce and cheese as the pizza bakes.
—J. Kenji López-Alt, New York Times, 17 Mar. 2023
This made the objects softer, because opening up the bonds reduces the amount of cross-linking in the polymer networks.
—IEEE Spectrum, 7 Mar. 2023
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
Cite this Entry
“Cross-link.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cross-link. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
cross-link
noun
: a crosswise connecting part (as an atom or group) that connects parallel chains in a complex chemical molecule (as a protein)
cross-link
verb
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share