Meaning & use

intergrade

noun·Academic

Last updated

An organism or form that is intermediate between two related species, subspecies, or varieties.

See it in a sentence

The coastal population is considered an intergrade between the two subspecies.

Naturalists documented several intergrades along the border of the two ranges.

A note on using this word

Common in taxonomy and zoology, especially in discussions of subspecies boundaries and gradual clinal variation.

Words with a similar meaning

hybridintermediate form

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Another way to use it

2. verb

To blend or merge gradually into another form, especially between related species or subspecies.

Populations at the edge of the two ranges intergrade smoothly rather than forming a sharp boundary.

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