Outcrossed

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. A biological process involves the mating of distinct genetic lines to promote diversity and improve specific traits in offspring
2. This approach signifies the intentional breeding between unrelated individuals to enhance genetic vigor and overall quality
3. A specific reproductive strategy occurs when distinct genetic lines are bred together to create diversity and enhance desirable traits in the offspring

Etymology: This is an inflected form, so it needs only a sentence or two: "outcrossed" is the past tense and past participle of "outcross," a verb meaning to breed animals or plants from unrelated lines. The verb is formed from "out-," meaning "outside" or "beyond," and "cross," which in breeding terms means a mixing of two different stocks, and it reflects the same sense of "cross" that appears in "crossbreed."

Synonyms: crossbred, interbred, mixed, hybridized, mated