The Collaborative International Dictionary
cross-link \cross-link\ v. t. [imp. & p. p. cross-linked, p. pr. & vb. n. cross-linking.] (Chem., Biochem.) to create cross links in; -- of polymeric molecules.
cross-link \cross-link\ n. (Chem., Biochem.) a covalent bond that links two chains of atoms, or two sections of one chain, in a polymeric molecule; the cross-link is created by a third bond in a monomer unit in addition to the two bonds forming the polymeric chain; -- a cross-link may be internal to a single chain, rather than between two otherwise unlinked chains; as, ultraviolet irradiation creates cross-links between the two chains of a DNA double helix; many enzymes have cross-links formed by disulfide bonds; polystyrene resins have their porosity controlled by the proportion of cross-links. Called also cross-linkage.
Syn: cross-linkage.
Wiktionary
n. (context chemistry English) a link between adjacent chains of a polymer vb. (context chemistry English) to form such a link
WordNet
n. a side bond that links two adjacent chains of atoms in a complex molecule [syn: cross-linkage]
v. join by creating covalent bonds (of adjacent chains of a polymer or protein)
Wikipedia
A cross-link is a bond that links one polymer chain to another. They can be covalent bonds or ionic bonds. "Polymer chains" can refer to synthetic polymers or natural polymers (such as proteins). When the term "cross-linking" is used in the synthetic polymer science field, it usually refers to the use of cross-links to promote a difference in the polymers' physical properties. When "crosslinking" is used in the biological field, it refers to the use of a probe to link proteins together to check for protein–protein interactions, as well as other creative cross-linking methodologies.
Cross-linking is used in both synthetic polymer chemistry and in the biological sciences. Although the term is used to refer to the "linking of polymer chains" for both sciences, the extent of crosslinking and specificities of the crosslinking agents vary. Of course, with all science, there are overlaps, and the following delineations are a starting point to understanding the subtleties.
When cross links are added to long rubber molecules, the flexibility decreases, the hardness increases and the melting point increases as well.
Usage examples of "cross-link".
Looks like leatherbut it's made of cross-linked teflar and boron nitride filaments.
The take from the electronic cameras was cross-linked to a communications satellite over the Indian Ocean, and from there to the Washington area, where technicians still wearing chemically impregnated surgical masks started looking for the airplane-shaped surface-to-surface missiles.
Inside the fiberglass nosecone, a directional antenna cross-linked the ".
In vulcanized rubber, the polyisoprene chains are cross-linked by disulfide bonds.
This new existence requires a working knowledge of those multiplex and cross-linked events usually referred to as nature.