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Definition of cross
(Entry 1 of 7)
1a : a structure consisting of an upright with a transverse beam used especially by the ancient Romans for execution
b often capitalized : the cross on which Jesus was crucified
2a : crucifixion
b : an affliction that tries one's virtue, steadfastness, or patience
We all have our crosses to bear.
3 : a cruciform sign made to invoke the blessing of Christ especially by touching the forehead, breast, and shoulders
4a : a device composed of an upright bar traversed (see traverse entry 1 sense transitive 3) by a horizontal one specifically : one used as a Christian symbol
b capitalized : the Christian religion
5 : a structure (such as a monument) shaped like or surmounted by a cross
a cross over a grave
6 : a figure or mark formed by two intersecting lines crossing at their midpoints
The crosses at the end of the letter indicate kisses. specifically : such a mark used as a signature
7 : a cruciform badge, emblem, or decoration
8 : the intersection of two ways or lines : crossing
10a : an act of crossing (see cross entry 2 sense 8) dissimilar individuals
b : a crossbred individual or kind
The dog is a cross of a hunting dog and a sheepdog.
c : one that combines characteristics of two different types or individuals
A zedonk is a cross between a zebra and a donkey.
11a : a fraudulent or dishonest contest
"I never fought a cross or struck a foul blow in my life … "— George Bernard Shaw
b : dishonest or illegal practices
—used especially in the phrase on the cross
12 : a movement from one part of a theater stage to another
13a : a punch thrown over the opponent's lead in boxing
hit him with a right cross
b : an attacking pass in soccer played across the field from one side to the other or to the middle
14 : a security transaction in which a broker acts for both buyer and seller (as in the placing of a large lot of common stock)
— called also cross-trade
cross
verbcrossed; crossing; crosses
Definition of cross (Entry 2 of 7)
1a : to lie or be situated across
b : intersect
2 : to make the sign of the cross upon or over
3 : to cancel by marking a cross on or drawing a line through : strike out
cross names off a list
4 : to place or fold crosswise one over the other
cross the arms
5a(1) : to run counter to : oppose
(2) : to deny the validity of : contradict
b : to confront in a troublesome manner : obstruct
6a : to extend across or over : traverse a highway crossing the entire state
c : to go from one side of to the other
cross a street crosses racial barriers
7a : to draw a line across
b : to mark or figure with lines : streak
8 : to cause (an animal or plant) to interbreed with one of a different kind : hybridize
9 : to meet and pass on the way
Our letters must have crossed each other.
10 : to occur to
It never crossed my mind.
11 : to carry or take across something
crossed the children at the intersection
12 : to turn (the eyes) inward toward the nose
The boy made a funny face and crossed his eyes.
1a : to move, pass, or extend across something
crossed through France crossed over to the other side of the river
b : to move or pass from one character, condition, or allegiance to another
—used with overcrossing over to vote for another party's candidate
2 : to lie or be athwart each other
3 : to meet in passing especially from opposite directions
4 : interbreed, hybridize
cross one's fingers or keep one's fingers crossed cross paths cross swords
: to hope for a particular or stated outcome
Owners are crossing their fingers that relief might be on the way.— Mike Freeman Keep your fingers crossed that something will be worked out.— Marge Crumbaker
: to meet especially by chance
crossed paths with an old friend on a business trip
: to engage in a dispute
cross
adjectiveDefinition of cross (Entry 3 of 7)
1a : lying across or athwart
b : moving across
cross traffic
2a : running counter : opposite
b : mutually opposed
cross purposes
3 : involving mutual interchange : reciprocal
4 : marked by typically transitory bad temper
5 : extending over or treating several groups, conditions, or classes
a cross sample from 25 colleges
cross
prepositionDefinition of cross (Entry 4 of 7)
: across
cross
adverbDefinition of cross (Entry 5 of 7)
: not parallel : crisscross, crosswise
Cross
biographical nameDefinition of Cross (Entry 6 of 7)
Wilbur Lucius 1862–1948 American educator and politician
Cross
geographical nameDefinition of Cross (Entry 7 of 7)
river 300 miles (483 kilometers) long in western Cameroon and southeastern Nigeria flowing west and south into the Gulf of Guinea
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Time Traveler for cross
The first known use of cross was before the 12th century
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