Cross-pollinate

To cross-pollinate means to fertilize a plant with pollen from a different plant, typically of the same species but with different genetic characteristics. It's a crucial process in plant reproduction, leading to genetic diversity and hybrid vigor. The term also extends metaphorically to encompass the exchange of ideas, influences, or practices between different groups, fields, or entities, resulting in novel combinations and perspectives. This often involves the introduction of external elements to enhance or improve an existing system or concept. Effective cross-pollination fosters innovation, creativity, and broader understanding.

Cross-pollinate meaning with examples

• The gardener carefully cross-pollinated the tomato plants to create a new variety with improved disease resistance. He brushed pollen from one plant onto the stigma of another. This practice ensured genetic diversity. Cross-pollination between different species is rare.
• The art gallery organized a workshop to cross-pollinate ideas between visual artists and musicians. The event sparked collaboration between artists from diverse backgrounds to produce new artistic experiences.
• The marketing team decided to cross-pollinate strategies by examining the success of different campaigns. They used data-driven cross-pollination with their market research. The new campaign was successful and provided strong sales growth.
• To stimulate innovation, the company actively encourages cross-pollinate of departments. Engineering, marketing, and sales work on a project together. Sharing knowledge and expertise boosts innovation.
• The university's curriculum aimed to cross-pollinate disciplines like history, engineering and literature. Students took courses and learned interdisciplinary techniques for problem-solving. This created a new academic field.