intercross
C2 / Very RareTechnical / Scientific
Definition
Meaning
to cross or intersect each other; to breed or crossbreed organisms from different varieties or lines.
In genetics, specifically denotes the crossing of two different inbred strains or lines to produce hybrid offspring. More broadly, can describe things that intersect or overlap in a reciprocal manner.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is highly specialized. Its primary modern use is in genetics and plant/animal breeding. The more general sense of 'intersect' is largely archaic or poetic.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical and equally specialized in both dialects. No significant dialectal variation in meaning or application.
Connotations
Neutral, technical term. Carries no particular cultural or emotional connotation.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language. Almost exclusively confined to genetics, botany, and zoology texts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[NP] intercross [NP] (transitive)[NP] and [NP] intercross (intransitive)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in genetics, biology, and agricultural science papers.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
The primary domain. Refers to a specific breeding protocol or genetic crossing scheme.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The researchers plan to intercross the drought-resistant wheat line with the high-yield variety.
- To study the trait inheritance, the mice were intercrossed for several generations.
American English
- The lab will intercross the two inbred strains of corn to create an F1 hybrid.
- After the initial cross, the hybrids were intercrossed among themselves.
adverb
British English
- [Not used as an adverb]
American English
- [Not used as an adverb]
Examples
By CEFR Level
- [Too advanced for A2]
- [Too advanced for B1]
- Scientists sometimes intercross plants to create new varieties.
- The study involved an intercross between two types of laboratory mice.
- The genetic map was constructed using data from a large intercross population.
- To dissect the complex trait, they performed a reciprocal intercross of the two parental strains.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think INTERnational CROSSroads – different roads/strains coming together and crossing.
Conceptual Metaphor
CROSSING AS COMBINATION/MIXING (of genetic material).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'пересекаться' в бытовом смысле (to intersect). В русском научном контексте соответствует 'скрещивать (линии)', 'межлинейное скрещивание'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a synonym for 'intersect' in general contexts.
- Confusing it with 'interbreed', which is broader and can occur naturally.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'intercross' most precisely and commonly used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a specific type of crossbreeding, typically referring to the crossing of two different inbred lines or distinct varieties in a controlled, often experimental, context.
No, this would be archaic or poetic at best. Use 'intersect', 'cross', or 'meet' for roads.
The word itself can be used as a noun (e.g., 'an intercross was performed'). The process is called 'intercrossing'.
No. It is a highly specialized scientific term. Even most educated non-scientists will never need to use or encounter it.
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