cross-link

n.	1.	(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.
v. t.	1.	(Chem., Biochem.) to create cross links in; - of polymeric molecules. [imp. & p. p. cross-linked p. pr. & vb. n. cross-linking.]

Noun	1.	cross-link - a side bond that links two adjacent chains of atoms in a complex molecule Synonyms: cross-linkage
Verb	1.	cross-link - join by creating covalent bonds (of adjacent chains of a polymer or protein)