■ noun
1》 a mark, object, or figure formed by two short intersecting lines or pieces (+ or ×).
2》 an upright post with a transverse bar, as used in antiquity for crucifixion.
↘( the Cross ) the ~ on which Christ was crucified.
3》 a thing that is unavoidable and has to be endured: she's just a ~ we have to bear.
4》 a ~-shaped decoration awarded for personal valour or indicating rank in some orders of knighthood.
5》 an animal or plant resulting from ~-breeding; a hybrid.
↘( a ~ between ) a mixture or compromise of two things.
6》 (in soccer) a pass of the ball a~ the field towards the centre close to one's opponents' goal.
7》 (in boxing) a blow given with a ~wise movement of the fist.
■ verb
1》 go or extend a~ or to the other side of (a path, obstacle, or area).
↘( ~ over ) (of an artist) begin to appeal to a wider audience.
2》 pass in an opposite or different direction; intersect.
↘place ~wise: Michele ~ed her arms.
3》 draw a line or lines a~; mark with a ~.
↘ Brit. mark or annotate (a cheque), typically with a pair of parallel lines, to indicate that it must be paid into a named bank account.
↘( ~ something off ) delete an item on a list.
↘( ~ something out/through ) delete a word or phrase by drawing a line through it.
4》 ( ~ oneself ) make the sign of the ~ in front of one's chest as a sign of Christian reverence or to invoke divine protection.
5》 Soccer pass (the ball) a~ the field towards the centre when attacking.
6》 cause (an animal of one species, breed, or variety) to interbreed with one of another.
↘~-fertilize (a plant).
7》 oppose or stand in the way of.
■ adjective annoyed.
Phrases
at ~ purposes misunderstanding or having different aims from one another.
~ one's fingers put one finger a~ another as a sign of hoping for good luck.
~ the floor Brit. join the opposing side in Parliament.
~ my heart ( and hope to die ) used to emphasize the truthfulness and sincerity of what one is saying.
~ someone's palm with silver often humorous pay someone for a favour or service, especially having one's fortune told.
~ swords have an argument or dispute.
~ed line a telephone connection that has been wrongly made with the result that another call can be heard.
get one's wires (or lines ) ~ed have a misunderstanding.
Derivatives
~er noun
~ly adverb
~ness noun
Origin
OE: from ON kross , from Old Ir. cros , from L. crux .