cross

¹cross

noun \ˈkrȯs\

Definition of CROSS

1

a : 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

2

a : crucifixion b : an affliction that tries one's virtue, steadfastness, or patience

3

: a cruciform sign made to invoke the blessing of Christ especially by touching the forehead, breast, and shoulders

4

a : a device composed of an upright bar traversed by a horizontal one; specifically : one used as a Christian symbol b capitalized : the Christian religion

5

: a structure (as a monument) shaped like or surmounted by a cross

6

: a figure or mark formed by two intersecting lines crossing at their midpoints; specifically : such a mark used as a signature

7

: a cruciform badge, emblem, or decoration

8

: the intersection of two ways or lines : crossing

9

: annoyance, thwarting <a cross in love>

10

a : an act of crossing dissimilar individuals b : a crossbred individual or kind c : one that combines characteristics of two different types or individuals

11

a : a fraudulent or dishonest contest 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

13

a : a punch thrown over the opponent's lead in boxing 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

Examples of CROSS

1. a necklace with a gold cross
2. The teacher marked the absent students on her list with crosses.
3. Those who could not write signed their names with a cross.

Illustration of CROSS

Origin of CROSS

Middle English, from Old English, from Old Norse or Old Irish; Old Norse kross, from Old Irish cros, from Latin cruc-, crux

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to CROSS

Synonyms: trial, crucible, fire, gauntlet (also gantlet), ordeal

Related Words: baptism, initiation; adversity, affliction, asperity, misadventure, mischance, misfortune, mishap, privation, tragedy, tribulation, trouble, vicissitude, woe; acid test, litmus test; challenge, complication, difficulty, grief, grievance, hardship, rigor; annoyance, discomfort, inconvenience, nuisance

Near Antonyms: full-blood, pureblood, purebred, thoroughbred

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with CROSS

boss, crosse, dross, floss, gloss, joss, loss, moss, sauce, stoss, toss