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Interbreed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐ŸŒพ
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interbreed

[หŒษชntษ™rหˆbriหd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

animal breeding

To breed with individuals of another species or subspecies.

Synonyms

crossbreed, hybridize, mix breed.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
interbreed

Used in a scientific or formal context to describe the breeding between different varieties or species, focusing often on genetics.

  • Scientists have found that these two bird species can interbreed and produce fertile offspring
crossbreed

Commonly used in agriculture or pet breeding to describe the intentional mixing of two different breeds to produce a new breed with desired characteristics.

  • The farmer decided to crossbreed the cows to improve milk production
hybridize

Often used in a specialized or scientific context to describe the process of producing hybrids, particularly in plants and animals.

  • The botanist aims to hybridize these two plant species to create a more resilient variety
mix breed

Commonly used in informal or everyday language when referring to animals, particularly pets, that are a combination of different breeds.

  • They adopted a mix breed puppy from the animal shelter

Examples of usage

  • Interbreeding between different species can result in hybrid offspring.
  • Zoos sometimes practice interbreeding to increase genetic diversity.
  • The researchers studied the effects of interbreeding on the population.
Context #2 | Verb

botany

To breed with individuals of different varieties or cultivars within the same species.

Synonyms

cross-fertilize, cross-pollinate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
interbreed

Used when referring to animals or plants of different breeds or varieties mating and producing offspring. Commonly used in genetics, breeding programs or wildlife studies.

  • The researchers are studying how different species of birds interbreed in the wild.
  • Some dog breeds can interbreed to create hybrids.
cross-pollinate

Specifically pertains to the transfer of pollen from one plant's flower to another's, usually within the same species, but can be used metaphorically to describe the mixing of ideas or influences.

  • Bees play a vital role in cross-pollinate plants, ensuring genetic diversity.
  • The art gallery's new exhibit cross-pollinates traditional and modern styles.
cross-fertilize

Refers to the biological process where pollen from one flower fertilizes another flower of a different plant, or can also be used metaphorically to describe the exchange of ideas between different fields or cultures.

  • In agriculture, farmers often cross-fertilize crops to enhance yield.
  • The university encourages departments to cross-fertilize ideas to foster innovation.

Examples of usage

  • Farmers often interbreed different varieties of plants to create new hybrids.
  • Gardeners may interbreed different cultivars of roses to develop unique characteristics.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Interbreeding can lead to hybrid animals or plants, which might have traits from both parents.
  • In nature, interbreeding can affect the genetic diversity of a population, making it stronger or sometimes weaker.
  • Species that interbreed may sometimes produce sterile offspring, such as mules, which are a mix of horses and donkeys.

Agriculture

  • Farmers often interbreed crops to develop new varieties that are more resistant to pests or diseases.
  • Interbreeding in livestock can improve desirable traits, such as milk production or muscle mass.
  • Hybrid crops like corn often result from interbreeding, drastically increasing yields and resilience.

Cultural Impact

  • Interbreeding is a concept discussed in literature and art, often symbolizing diversity and unity.
  • It can serve as a metaphor in discussions about cultural integration and fusion in society.
  • Films and books exploring themes of interbreeding often highlight the challenges and beauties of blending diverse backgrounds.

Environmental Concerns

  • Interbreeding between species can sometimes lead to 'genetic pollution,' threatening native species.
  • Conservation efforts often monitor interbreeding among endangered species to understand population dynamics.
  • Ecologists study interbreeding patterns to manage the impacts of climate change on biodiversity.

Origin of 'interbreed'

Main points about word origin

  • The prefix 'inter-' comes from Latin, meaning 'between' or 'among', which reflects the idea of combining.
  • The word 'breed' has Old English origins, relating to raising or bringing up animals.
  • First recorded usage of the term dates back to the 19th century, as science began to explore genetics.

The term 'interbreed' originated in the mid 19th century, combining the prefix 'inter-' meaning between or among, and 'breed' referring to the reproduction of organisms. The concept of interbreeding has been studied in various fields such as biology, agriculture, and zoology to understand genetic diversity and hybridization.

See also: bred, breed, breeder, breeding, crossbreed, crossbreeding, interbreeding.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,875, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.