Advertisement - Continue reading below

Definition of "backcross" []

  • To cross (a hybrid) with one of its parents or with an individual genetically identical to one of its parents. (verb-transitive)
  • The act of making such a cross. (noun)
  • An individual resulting from such a cross. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "backcross" in a sentence
  • "Moreover, testicular histology of F1 and backcross males showed in some cases a breakdown in spermatogenesis."
  • "Genome-wide and additional fine mapping of backcross mice, derived from C3H"
  • "At Cataloochee, researchers are using the backcross method to breed a new tree that is blight resistant but has the dominant characteristics of the original American chestnut."