Definitions

1. noun

A cross between two test strains of a plant, used to determine the inheritance of a specific trait or gene.

“The geneticist performed a testcross to understand the genetic basis of the plant’s resistance to disease.”

2. verb

To perform a cross between two test strains of a plant, typically to determine the inheritance of a specific trait or gene.

“The researcher testcrossed the two strains to identify the genetic factors influencing the plant’s growth.”