outcross

1 of 2

noun

out·​cross ˈau̇t-ˌkrȯs How to pronounce outcross (audio)
1
: a cross between relatively unrelated individuals
2
: the progeny of an outcross

outcross

2 of 2

verb

outcrossed; outcrossing; outcrosses

transitive verb

: to cross with a relatively unrelated individual or strain : to subject to outcrossing

Examples of outcross in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
What if chimeras escape and outcross in the wild? Amy Webb, Wired, 1 Dec. 2021 If a population is highly inbred, then individuals who are not relations by social custom may still be so genetically similar to a point where the pairing can not credibly be stated as an outcross. Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 23 July 2012

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'outcross.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1890, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1918, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of outcross was in 1890

Dictionary Entries Near outcross

Cite this Entry

“Outcross.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outcross. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

outcross

1 of 2 noun
out·​cross ˈau̇t-ˌkrȯs How to pronounce outcross (audio)
1
: a cross made by outcrossing two individuals or strains
2
: the offspring resulting from an outcross

outcross

2 of 2 verb
: to cross with an unrelated individual or strain or one that is only distantly related

Medical Definition

outcross

1 of 2 noun
out·​cross ˈau̇t-ˌkrȯs How to pronounce outcross (audio)
1
: a cross between relatively unrelated individuals
2
: the progeny of an outcross

outcross

2 of 2 transitive verb
: to cross with a relatively unrelated individual or strain

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