cross-fertilization

noun

cross-fer·​til·​i·​za·​tion ˈkrȯs-ˌfər-tə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

1

a

: fertilization in which the gametes are produced by separate individuals or sometimes by individuals of different kinds

b

: cross-pollination sense 1

2

: interchange or interaction (as between different ideas, cultures, or categories) especially of a broadening or productive nature

Examples of cross-fertilization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Politics and journalism had its share of cross-fertilization with figures such as George Stephanopoulos and the late Tim Russert. —David Bauder, Quartz, 29 Mar. 2024

Music has historically been the country’s ethnically richest art form, particularly embodied in the multicultural story of jazz and in today’s cross-fertilization between popular genres. —Erik Gleibermann, Washington Post, 20 Apr. 2023

Strong relationships support innovation, enabling the cross-fertilization of new concepts. —Ann Kowal Smith, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

cross-fertilization

noun

cross-fer·​til·​i·​za·​tion

ˈkrȯs-ˌfərt-ᵊl-ə-ˈzā-shən

1

: fertilization between sex cells produced by separate individuals or sometimes by individuals of different kinds

2

: cross-pollination

cross-fertile

-ˈfərt-ᵊl

adjective

cross-fertilize

-ˈfərt-ᵊl-ˌīz

verb

Medical Definition

cross-fertilization

noun

cross-fer·​til·​iza·​tion

variants or British cross-fertilisation

-ˌfərt-ᵊl-ə-ˈzā-shən 

: fertilization in which the gametes are produced by separate individuals or sometimes by individuals of different kinds