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. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. cross-linked p. pr. & vb. n. cross-linking. ] (Chem., Biochem.) to create cross links in; -- of polymeric molecules. [ PJC ]

n. same as cross-link, n. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

a. (Chem., Biochem.) containing cross-links; -- of polymeric molecules.
Syn. -- cross-linkage. [ PJC ]