Definition

The process of breeding a hybrid organism with one of its parent organisms or a similar individual to enhance certain traits or characteristics.

Example

Backcrossing is often used in plant breeding to improve disease resistance.

Conversation

I read about backcrossing in my genetics class yesterday.

Oh really? What’s that about?

It’s when a hybrid is crossed with one of its parents to enhance specific traits.

That sounds interesting! I didn't know genetics could be so complex.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Backcrossing → It is formed from "back" (meaning in the reverse direction) and "crossing" (from the Old English "cros", meaning to intersect or cross). The term refers to the process of crossing an organism with one of its ancestors or a similar organism, effectively going back in the genetic lineage.

Memory Tip

Think of going 'back' in a family tree and 'crossing' with an ancestor — that's what backcrossing means.

Visually Confused Words