CROSSBRED Meaning and
Definition
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Crossbred is an adjective commonly used in the context of genetics and animal breeding, referring to individuals or organisms that are the result of a deliberate mating between two different breeds or varieties within a species. It denotes the offspring born from the crossing of parents with distinct characteristics or genetic traits. This process aims to combine desirable attributes from each parent in order to achieve specific goals, such as enhancing genetic diversity, improving certain traits, or creating a new breed altogether.
The term "crossbred" highlights the act of crossing two genetically distinct individuals, often from different breeds, in the hopes of obtaining complementary characteristics and overall improved offspring. This reproductive method is commonly used in livestock breeding, wherein breeders selectively mate animals with specific desirable traits, such as increased size, improved wool quality, or disease resistance. Crossbreeding can also occur within plants, resulting in new hybrid varieties.
The crossbred offspring usually exhibit a combination of traits from both parents, blending their genetic makeup. These individuals may exhibit enhanced vigor or heterosis, which can lead to improved qualities like increased growth rate, disease resistance, or better adaptability to certain environmental conditions. However, the exact outcome of crossbreeding can be somewhat unpredictable, as it depends on the specific characteristics and genetics of the parent breeds.
Overall, crossbred refers to the offspring resulting from breeding two distinct breeds or varieties within a species, with the intention of obtaining offspring with specific desired traits or characteristics.
Common Misspellings for CROSSBRED
Etymology of CROSSBRED
The word "crossbred" combines two components: "cross" and "bred".
1. Cross: The term "cross" is derived from the Old English word "cruc", which means "a crossing, a place of crossing", or "a stake" (referring to the cross used for crucifixion). This Old English term can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "krus" and the Proto-Indo-European root "*kreus-", meaning "to cross".
2. Bred: The word "bred" comes from the Old English verb "bredan", which means "to bring up (a child), nourish, rear, foster" or "to generate or produce offspring".
Similar spelling words for CROSSBRED
- cross-file,
- crossbencher,
- Crossbarred,
- graceperiod,
- crosby,
- cross breed,
- crossbones,
- cross vine,
- Crosbie,
- crossover,
- crosspiece,
- crossbar,
- crossfield,
- crispbread,
- crossbench,
- crossbeam,
- crossbill,
- grassbird,
- crossbow,
- craspedia,
- crossfire,
- crossbreed,
- grosbard,
- cryoscope.
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