outcross

1 of 2

noun

out·​cross ˈau̇t-ˌkrȯs 

1

: a cross between relatively unrelated individuals

2

: the progeny of an outcross

outcross

2 of 2

verb

outcrossed; outcrossing; outcrosses

transitive verb

: to cross with a relatively unrelated individual or strain : to subject to outcrossing

Examples of outcross in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

If a population is highly inbred, then individuals who are not relations by social custom may still be so genetically similar to a point where the pairing can not credibly be stated as an outcross. — Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 23 July 2012

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1890, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1918, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for outcross

• across
• backcross
• crisscross
• lacrosse
• recross
• tomas
• albatross
• applesauce
• barabbas
• helios
• kshatriyas
• menelaus

Kids Definition

outcross

1 of 2 noun

out·​cross ˈau̇t-ˌkrȯs 

1

: a cross made by outcrossing two individuals or strains

2

: the offspring resulting from an outcross

outcross

2 of 2 verb

: to cross with an unrelated individual or strain or one that is only distantly related

Medical Definition

outcross

1 of 2 noun

out·​cross ˈau̇t-ˌkrȯs 

1

: a cross between relatively unrelated individuals

2

: the progeny of an outcross

outcross

2 of 2 transitive verb

: to cross with a relatively unrelated individual or strain