CEFR C1

back-cross

noun

Meaning

A crossbreeding technique where an organism with a specific trait is crossed with one of its ancestors that possesses the desired trait, in order to reintroduce or reinforce that trait.

Examples

  • The geneticist performed a back-cross to ensure the offspring inherited the disease resistance from the parent line.
  • Back-crossing is a common method in plant breeding to develop new varieties with improved characteristics.

Synonyms: reciprocal cross, test cross