crisscross

crisscross Definition

criss·cross (kris′krôs′)

noun

a mark made of two crossed lines (), often used as a signature by people who cannot write their names
a pattern made of crossed lines
a being confused or at cross-purposes

Etymology: ME Christcros, Christ's cross, the cross at the head of an alphabet, for the symbol X (Gr χ), abbrev. of Christ (Christos)

adjective

marked with or moving in crossing lines

transitive verb

intransitive verb

to move crosswise

adverb

crisscross Usage Examples

Object

globe: Europa's most striking aspect is a series of dark streaks crisscrossing the entire globe.
city: Outside this district, or any of the residential neighborhoods, walking the tunnels that crisscrossed the city the illusion broke down.
world: Since 2001 the plane has been to 49 destinations outside the US and has crisscrossed the world.
fiber: Particles are stopped by layers of crisscrossed cotton fibers and held in suspension by the oil.
sky: It was really nice and warm in the sunlight with a blue sky crisscrossed by contrails from the jets going to Manchester airport.

Subject

canal: Venice Known as the ' Queen of the Adriatic ' , Venice stands on 120 islands, crisscrossed by some 177 canals.
river: Rivers and Ditches The area is crisscrossed by rivers and ditches which are home to many waterside plants and animals.
highway: Getting There Sacramento Area is crisscrossed by numerous paved highways.

Modifies a noun

Preposition: by

canal: Venice Known as the ' Queen of the Adriatic ' , Venice stands on 120 islands, crisscrossed by some 177 canals.
river: Rivers and Ditches The area is crisscrossed by rivers and ditches which are home to many waterside plants and animals.
highway: Getting There Sacramento Area is crisscrossed by numerous paved highways.

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