cross-link

noun

ˈkrȯs-ˌliŋk 

: a crosswise connecting part (such as an atom or group) that connects parallel chains in a complex chemical molecule (such as a polymer)

cross-link verb

Examples of cross-link in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The best guess Adams could make was that their strands have more cross-links than ours--weak chemical bonds at points where strands are coiled close together. —Will Hively, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2019

The key is to knead the mixture (by hand or in a stand mixture fitted with a paddle) until the proteins begin to unravel and cross-link, giving it a tacky texture that turns springy and juicy as the sausage cooks, releasing its flavorful fat to mingle with the sauce and cheese as the pizza bakes. —J. Kenji López-Alt, New York Times, 17 Mar. 2023

This made the objects softer, because opening up the bonds reduces the amount of cross-linking in the polymer networks. —IEEE Spectrum, 7 Mar. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

cross-link

noun

ˈkrȯ-ˌsliŋk

: an atom or group of atoms that is a crosswise connection between two long series of atoms of a molecule

cross-link verb

Medical Definition

cross-link

noun

ˈkrȯ-ˌsliŋk 

: a crosswise connecting part (as an atom or group) that connects parallel chains in a complex chemical molecule (as a protein)

cross-link verb