cross-breed

A farmer shows a cross-breed of two different types of wheat.

Definition

1. Noun:

   • An organism produced by crossbreeding: A "cross-breed" refers to an individual, such as an animal or plant, that results from the mating of two different breeds, varieties, or species. This term is commonly used in agriculture and animal husbandry.

2. Verb:

   • To produce a hybrid by crossing: The verb form means to cause the reproduction of two different breeds, varieties, or species to create offspring with mixed genetic traits.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The farmer's new dog is a cross-breed between a Labrador and a Poodle. (An animal resulting from mixing two distinct breeds.)
  • This tomato plant is a cross-breed of two heirloom varieties. (A plant hybrid from different types.)

• Verb:

  • Scientists cross-breed wheat varieties to improve drought resistance. (To create hybrids by mating different strains.)
  • They plan to cross-breed the horses for better stamina. (To intentionally produce mixed offspring.)

Advanced Usage

• "to cross-breed with": to interbreed naturally or artificially with another breed or species.

  • Lions can cross-breed with tigers to produce ligers. (They can interbreed to create a hybrid.)

• "cross-breeding program": a systematic effort to create hybrids for specific traits.

  • The zoo's cross-breeding program aims to save endangered species. (A planned project for genetic mixing.)

Variants and Related Words

• Crossbreed (alternative spelling): same as "cross-breed", used interchangeably.

  • The term "crossbreed" is often written without a hyphen. (A stylistic variant.)

• Crossbred (adj): produced by crossbreeding.

  • The crossbred puppies are healthier than purebreds. (Having mixed ancestry.)

• Crossbreeding (n): the process of producing a cross-breed.

  • Crossbreeding can enhance genetic diversity. (The act of mixing breeds.)

Synonyms

• Hybrid: an organism resulting from crossing different breeds or species.

  • The mule is a hybrid of a donkey and a horse. (A mixed offspring.)

• Mongrel: a dog of mixed breed (often used less formally).

  • The shelter had many mongrels available for adoption. (A mixed-breed dog.)

Phrasal Verbs

• Cross with: to breed one animal or plant with another.
  • The gardener crossed the rose with a wildflower. (Mated or hybridized.)

Related Idioms

• A cross between: a mixture of two things.
  • The new car is a cross between a sedan and an SUV. (A combination of two types.)