kruising

Kruising is a term used in Dutch and Afrikaans with two primary senses related to crossing. In geography and transportation, kruising denotes an intersection: the point where two or more roads cross, or where a road meets a canal, railroad, or other route. In road signage and planning, phrases such as “kruising” appear in descriptions of junctions, including variants like a T-kruising or kruising of highways. The word derives from kruis, meaning cross.

In genetics and breeding contexts, kruising refers to crossbreeding or the act of crossing two parent lines to produce hybrids or new varieties. It is common in agriculture, horticulture, and plant and animal breeding to describe the process as kruising, for example “kruising van twee rassen” meaning the crossing of two varieties or breeds. This sense emphasizes the combination of traits from distinct lineages to create offspring with a desired mix of characteristics.

In English-language usage, kruising may appear as a nonstandard spelling of cruising in some texts, particularly where Dutch or Afrikaans influence is present. Its meaning can vary with context, spanning the general act of traveling by vehicle for pleasure to more specific social slang that refers to seeking partners. Because it is nonstandard outside those linguistic communities, its interpretation is context-dependent and may be unclear to readers unfamiliar with the source language.

See also: crossing, crossbreeding, intersection, junction.