heterosis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Academic, Technical
Quick answer
What does “heterosis” mean?
A biological phenomenon where the offspring of two genetically different parents shows greater size, growth rate, fertility, or overall vigour compared to either parent.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A biological phenomenon where the offspring of two genetically different parents shows greater size, growth rate, fertility, or overall vigour compared to either parent.
In a broader metaphorical sense, it can refer to any synergistic advantage gained from the combination of diverse elements, such as in business, culture, or technology, though this usage is rare and specialised.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in biological sciences.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects, confined to specialist literature.
Grammar
How to Use “heterosis” in a Sentence
[Subject: hybrid/cross] exhibits/show heterosisHeterosis is observed/demonstrated in [subject]The principle/effect of heterosisVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “heterosis” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (No verb form in standard use)
American English
- (No verb form in standard use)
adverb
British English
- (No adverb form in standard use)
American English
- (No adverb form in standard use)
adjective
British English
- The heterotic effect was clear in the first-generation hybrids.
American English
- Breeders aim for heterotic crops with increased yield.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused. Potentially in metaphorical discussions of corporate mergers yielding superior performance.
Academic
Used almost exclusively in genetics, biology, agriculture, and animal husbandry research papers.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Core term in plant/animal breeding, population genetics, and evolutionary biology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “heterosis”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “heterosis”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “heterosis”
- Pronouncing it as /hiːtəˈroʊsɪs/ (with a long 'e').
- Using it as a general synonym for 'diversity' or 'synergy' outside of biological contexts.
- Confusing it with 'heterozygous' (having different alleles for a gene).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'hybrid vigour' is the common term, while 'heterosis' is the more formal, technical term for the same phenomenon.
It would be considered a strained or inaccurate metaphor. While the conceptual link is understandable, the word is firmly rooted in biological sciences. 'Synergy' or 'diversity dividend' would be more appropriate.
The main opposite is 'inbreeding depression', which refers to the reduced fitness and vigour resulting from breeding closely related individuals.
It is exclusively a noun. The related adjective is 'heterotic'.
A biological phenomenon where the offspring of two genetically different parents shows greater size, growth rate, fertility, or overall vigour compared to either parent.
Heterosis is usually academic, technical in register.
Heterosis: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhɛtəˈrəʊsɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌhɛtəˈroʊsɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(None - term is too technical for idiomatic use)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'HETERO' (different) + 'OSIS' (condition or process) = the superior condition that comes from combining different parents.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE SUM IS GREATER THAN THE PARTS; HYBRIDITY AS SUPERIORITY.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'heterosis' primarily used?