/ əˈkrɒs; NAmE əˈkrɔːs/ adverb , preposition
■ adverb
HELP NOTE : For the special uses of across in phrasal verbs, look at the entries for the verbs. For example come across is in the phrasal verb section at come .
1.
from one side to the other side :
It's too wide. We can't swim across.
The yard measures about 50 feet across.
2.
in a particular direction towards or at sb/sth :
When my name was called, he looked across at me.
3.
across from opposite :
There's a school just across from our house.
4.
( of an answer in a crossword ) written from side to side :
I can't do 3 across.
■ preposition
1.
from one side to the other side of sth :
He walked across the field.
I drew a line across the page.
A grin spread across her face.
Where's the nearest bridge across the river?
2.
on the other side of sth :
There's a bank right across the street.
3.
on or over a part of the body :
He hit him across the face.
It's too tight across the back.
4.
in every part of a place, group of people, etc.
SYN throughout :
Her family is scattered across the country.
This view is common across all sections of the community.
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English (as an adverb meaning in the form of a cross ): from Old French a croix , en croix in or on a cross, later regarded as being from a- to, towards + cross .