heterosis

heterosis

 [het″er-o´sis]

the existence, in the first generation hybrid, of greater vigor than is shown by either parent.

het·er·o·sis

(het'ĕr-ō'sis),

The beneficial effect on the phenotype of crossing (hybridization) on growth, vigor, and physical or mental qualities in a strain of plants or in animal stock, as measured by the difference between the midparent mean phenotype and that of F₁; also referred to as hybrid vigor.

[hetero- + -ōsis, condition]

heterosis

(hĕt′ə-rō′sĭs)

n.

See hybrid vigor.

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het′er·ot′ic (-rŏt′ĭk) adj.

heterosis

or

hybrid vigour

the superiority of a HYBRID produced from crossing two different types of parent with one or more inferior characteristics. For example, two different inbred lines of cereals when crossed together can produce hybrids with a far higher yield and general vigour than either parental line.