cross

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

Middle English from Old English cros (“‘cross, rood’”) from Old Norse kross, perhaps from Old Irish cros (Welsh croes, Gaelic crois), from Latin crux. Cf Icel kross, Dan kors "cross"

[edit] Pronunciation

• (RP) IPA: /krɒs/, SAMPA: /krQs/ (also, especially formerly IPA: /krɔːs/, SAMPA: /krO:s/)
• (US) enPR: kräs, IPA: /krɑs/, SAMPA: /krAs/
•  Audio (US)^{help, file}

  Rhymes: -ɒs

[edit] Noun

cross (plural crosses)

1. A geometrical figure consisting of two straight lines or bars intersecting each other such that at least one of them is bisected by the other.
2. (heraldry) Any geometric figure having this or a simlilar shape, such as a cross of Lorraine or a Maltese cross.
3. A wooden post with a perpendicular beam attached and used (especially in the Roman Empire) to execute criminals (by crucifixion).
4. (usually with the) The cross on which Christ was crucified.
5. A hand gesture made by Catholics in imitation of the shape of the Cross.
6. (Christianity) A representation or copy of the crucifixion cross, worn as jewellery or displayed as a symbol of religious devotion.
7. (figurative, from Christ's bearing of the cross) A difficult situation that must be endured.

   It's a cross I must bear.

8. (biology) Animal or plant produced by crossbreeding or cross-fertilization.
9. (boxing) a hook thrown over the opponent's punch
10. (soccer) A kick in which the ball travels from one side of the pitch to the other
11. A place where roads intersect and lead off in four directions; a crossroad (common in UK and Irish place names such as Gerrards Cross).
12. A monument that marks such a place. (Also common in UK or Irish place names such as Charing Cross)

[edit] Synonyms

• (production of cross-breeding or -fertilization): hybrid
• (cross on which Christ was crucified): True Cross

[edit] Derived terms

[edit] Related terms

• crouched

[edit] Translations

• Ido: kruco

[edit] Adjective

cross (comparative crosser, superlative crossest)

1. Transverse; lying across the main direction.

   At the end of each row were cross benches which linked the rows.

2. (archaic) Opposite, opposed to.

   His actions were perversely cross to his own happiness.

3. (now rare) Opposing, adverse; being contrary to what one would hope or wish for.
   • 1621, Robert Burton, The Anatomy of Melancholy, New York Review of Books, 2001, p. 50:

     As a fat body is more subject to diseases, so are rich men to absurdities and fooleries, to many casualties and cross inconveniences.

4. Bad-tempered, angry, annoyed.

   She was rather cross about missing her train on the first day of the job.

[edit] Synonyms

• (opposite to): contrarily, opposed, reverse, antipodal
• (mildly angry): angry, annoyed, irritated

[edit] Derived terms

[edit] Translations

[edit] Preposition

cross

1. Across

   190 mile cross country walk

[edit] Verb

to cross (third-person singular simple present crosses, present participle crossing, simple past and past participle crossed)

1. To mark with an X.
2. (transitive) To go from one side of (something) to the other.

   Why did the chicken cross the road?

3. (intransitive) To travel in a direction or path that will intersect with that of another.

   Ships crossing from starboard have right-of-way.

4. (transitive) To contradict (another) or frustrate the plans of.

   "You'll rue the day you tried to cross me, Tom Hero!" bellowed the villain.

5. (reflexive to cross oneself) To make the sign of the cross over oneself.
6. (cricket, reciprocally) Of both batsmen, to pass each other when running between the wickets in order to score runs.
7. (biology) to cross-fertilize or crossbreed
8. (law) to conduct a cross examination; to question a hostile witness
9. (soccer) To pass the ball from one side of the pitch to the other side.

[edit] Synonyms

• (to cross-fertilize or crossbreed): cross-fertilize, crossbreed

[edit] Derived terms

[edit] Translations

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[edit] Italian

[edit] Noun

cross m. inv.

1. motocross
2. cross (boxing punch)