I. ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ noun
Etymology: cross (III) + link (n.)
: a comparatively short connecting unit (as a chemical bond or a chemically bonded atom or group) between neighboring chains of atoms in a complex chemical molecule (as a polymer) — used especially in relation to thermosetting plastics, vulcanized rubber, and proteins
II. ˈ ̷ ̷| ̷ ̷ transitive verb
transitive verb
: to join by cross-links
cross-linked polymers
intransitive verb
: to form cross-links