backcross

1 of 2

verb

back·​cross ˈbak-ˌkrȯs 

backcrossed; backcrossing; backcrosses

transitive verb

: to cross (a first-generation hybrid) with one of the parental types

backcross

2 of 2

noun

: a mating that involves backcrossing

also : an individual produced by backcrossing

Examples of backcross in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Conservationists are pursuing creative avenues to make up for the male’s lack of female company, like crossing E. woodii with its closest relative, Encephalartos natalensis, and successively backcrossing offspring to narrow genetic differences. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1898, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1900, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for backcross

• across
• crisscross
• lacrosse
• recross
• tomas
• albatross
• applesauce
• barabbas
• helios
• kshatriyas
• blas
• bos

Medical Definition

backcross

1 of 2 transitive verb

back·​cross ˈbak-ˌkrȯs 

: to cross (a first-generation hybrid) with one of the parental types

backcross

2 of 2 noun

: a mating that involves backcrossing

also : an individual produced by backcrossing