Word Study
heterosis
CIDE DICTIONARY
heterosis, n. [NL., fr. Gr. alteration, fr. other, different.].
A figure of speech by which one form of a noun, verb, or pronoun, and the like, is used for another, as in the sentence: “What is life to such as me?” Aytoun. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
heterosis, n. the tendency of a cross-bred individual to show qualities superior to those of both parents.
Etymology
Gk f. heteros different
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