[bak-kraws, -kros] 
Genetics.| 1. | to cross (a hybrid of the first generation) with either of its parents. |
| 2. | an instance of such crossing. |
| back·cross (bāk'krôs', -krŏs') tr.v. back·crossed, back·cross·ing, back·cross·es To cross (a hybrid) with one of its parents or with an individual genetically identical to one of its parents. n.
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backcross back·cross (bāk'krôs')
v. back·crossed, back·cross·ing, back·cross·es
To cross a hybrid with one of its parents, or with an individual genetically identical to one of its parents. n.
The act of making such a cross.
An individual resulting from such a cross.
| backcross (bāk'krôs', -krŏs') Pronunciation Key
Verb To cross a hybrid with one of its parents or with an individual genetically identical to one of its parents. Backcrossing is used in research to isolate genetic characteristics found in one of the parents. Noun
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backcross
the mating of a hybrid organism (offspring of genetically unlike parents) with one of its parents or with an organism genetically similar to the parent. The backcross is useful in genetics studies for isolating (separating out) certain characteristics in a related group of animals or plants. In animal breeding, a backcross is often called a topcross. Grading usually refers to the mating of average, or "grade," females to a superior male, then backcrossing the female offspring to the same or a similar sire.
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