CROSS-POLLINATION

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does cross-pollination mean? 

• CROSS-POLLINATION (noun)
  The noun CROSS-POLLINATION has 2 senses:

1. fertilization by transfer of pollen from the anthers of one flower to the stigma of another

2. stimulating influence among diverse elements

  Familiarity information: CROSS-POLLINATION used as a noun is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• CROSS-POLLINATION (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Fertilization by transfer of pollen from the anthers of one flower to the stigma of another

Classified under:

Nouns denoting natural events

Hypernyms ("cross-pollination" is a kind of...):

pollenation; pollination (transfer of pollen from the anther to the stigma of a plant)

Antonym:

self-pollination (fertilization by transfer of pollen from the anthers to the stigma of the same flower)

Derivation:

cross-pollinate (fertilize by transfering pollen)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Stimulating influence among diverse elements

Classified under:

Nouns denoting acts or actions

Context example:

the cross-pollination of the arts

Hypernyms ("cross-pollination" is a kind of...):

influence (causing something without any direct or apparent effort)

 Context examples 

The scientists suggested cross-pollination and changing farming patterns in Assam were likely the causes.

(Scientists claim decrease in hotness of Bhut Jolokia, Wikinews)