outcross

English

Alternative forms

• out-cross

Etymology

From out- +‎ cross.

Noun

outcross (plural outcrosses)

1. The introduction of unrelated breeding stock to an existing population, especially one which is inbred or homogeneous. [from 19th c.]
   • 2007, Tim Blanning, The Pursuit of Glory, Penguin, published 2008, page 249:

     Their two sons, Joseph I and Charles VI went still further in their pursuit of an out-cross by both marrying princesses from the Guelph house of Brunswick.

2. A plant or animal produced by such methods. [from 20th c.]

Antonyms

• incross

Verb

outcross (third-person singular simple present outcrosses, present participle outcrossing, simple past and past participle outcrossed)

1. (transitive) to crossbreed different strains of a plant or animal. [from 20th c.]

Antonyms

• incross
• inbreed

Anagrams

• cross out