cross-fertilization

cross-fer·til·i·za·tion

(krôs′fûr′tl-ĭ-zā′shən, krŏs′-)

n.

1. Fertilization by the union of gametes from different individuals, sometimes of different varieties or species. Also called allogamy.

2. Mutual exchange, as between dissimilar concepts, cultures, or classifications, that enhances understanding or produces something beneficial.

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cross′-fer′tile adj.

cross-fertilization

n

(Biology) fertilization by the fusion of male and female gametes from different individuals of the same species. Compare self-fertilization

ˌcross-ˈfertile adj

cross′-fertiliza′tion

n.

1. the fertilization of an organism by the fusion of an egg from one individual with a sperm or male gamete from a different individual.

2. the fertilization of the flower of one plant by a gamete from the flower of a closely related plant.

3. (not in technical use) cross-pollination.

4. interaction between two or more cultures, fields of study, or the like, that is mutually productive.

[1875–80]

cross′-fer′tilize, v.i., v.t. -lized, -liz•ing.

cross-fertilization

The fertilization that occurs when a male sex cell from one individual joins to a female sex cell from another individual of the same species. In plants, cross-pollination is an example of cross-fertilization.

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cross-fertilize verb

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	cross-fertilization - fertilization by the union of male and female gametes from different individual of the same species cross-fertilisation fecundation, fertilisation, fertilization, impregnation - creation by the physical union of male and female gametes; of sperm and ova in an animal or pollen and ovule in a plant allogamy - cross-fertilization in plants self-fertilisation, self-fertilization - fertilization by the union of male and female gametes from the same individual
	2.	cross-fertilization - interchange between different cultures or different ways of thinking that is mutually productive and beneficial; "the cross-fertilization of science and the creative arts" cross-fertilisation interchange, reciprocation, give-and-take - mutual interaction; the activity of reciprocating or exchanging (especially information)