heterosis Hear it!

heterosis Definition

hetero·sis (het′ər ō′sis)

noun

a phenomenon resulting from hybridization, in which offspring display greater vigor, size, resistance, etc. than the parents

Etymology: heter(o)- + -osis

heterosis Related Forms
het′·er·ot′·ic (-ät′ik) adjective
heterosis Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • call: The hybrid seeds are prized because they produce uniform plants benefiting from the effect called heterosis ( hybrid vigor ).