Definition of “cross”

noun

1. a structure or symbol consisting essentially of two intersecting lines or pieces at right angles to one another
2. a wooden structure used as a means of execution, consisting of an upright post with a transverse piece to which people were nailed or tied
3. a representation of the Cross used as an emblem of Christianity or as a reminder of Christ's death
4. any mark or shape consisting of two intersecting lines, esp such a symbol (×) used as a signature, point of intersection, error mark, etc
5. a sign representing the Cross made either by tracing a figure in the air or by touching the forehead, breast, and either shoulder in turn
6. any conventional variation of the Christian symbol, used emblematically, decoratively, or heraldically, such as a Maltese, tau, or Greek cross
7. heraldry any of several charges in which one line crosses or joins another at right angles
8. a cruciform emblem awarded to indicate membership of an order or as a decoration for distinguished service
9. (sometimes capital) Christianity or Christendom, esp as contrasted with non-Christian religions  ⇒ Cross and Crescent 
10. the place in a town or village where a cross has been set up
11. a pipe fitting, in the form of a cross, for connecting four pipes
12. biology 
    1. the process of crossing; hybridization
    2. an individual produced as a result of this process
13. a mixture of two qualities or types  ⇒ he's a cross between a dictator and a saint 
14. an opposition, hindrance, or misfortune; affliction (esp in the phrase bear one's cross)
15. slang a match or game in which the outcome has been rigged
16. slang a fraud or swindle
17. boxing a straight punch delivered from the side, esp with the right hand
18. football the act or an instance of kicking or passing the ball from a wing to the middle of the field
19. See on the cross

verb

20. (sometimes foll by over) to move or go across (something); traverse or intersect  ⇒ we crossed the road 
21. 1. to meet and pass  ⇒ the two trains crossed 
    2. (of each of two letters in the post) to be dispatched before receipt of the other
22. (tr; usually foll by out, off, or through) to cancel with a cross or with lines; delete
23. (tr) to place or put in a form resembling a cross  ⇒ to cross one's legs 
24. (tr) to mark with a cross or crosses
25. (tr) British to draw two parallel lines across the face of (a cheque) and so make it payable only into a bank account
26. (tr)
    1. to trace the form of the Cross, usually with the thumb or index finger upon (someone or something) in token of blessing
    2. to make the sign of the Cross upon (oneself)
27. (intr) (of telephone lines) to interfere with each other so that three or perhaps four callers are connected together at one time
28. to cause fertilization between (plants or animals of different breeds, races, varieties, etc)
29. (tr) to oppose the wishes or plans of; thwart  ⇒ his opponent crosses him at every turn 
30. football to kick or pass (the ball) from a wing to the middle of the field
31. (tr) nautical to set (the yard of a square sail) athwartships
32. See cross a bridge when one comes to it
33. See cross one's fingers
34. See cross one's heart
35. See cross one's mind
36. See cross someone's palm
37. See cross someone's path
38. See cross swords

adjective

39. angry; ill-humoured; vexed
40. lying or placed across; transverse  ⇒ a cross timber 
41. involving interchange; reciprocal
42. contrary or unfavourable
43. another word for crossbred (sense 1)
44. a Brit slang word for dishonest

noun

• See the Cross

noun

1. Richard Assheton, 1st Viscount. 1823–1914, British Conservative statesman, home secretary (1874–80); noted for reforms affecting housing, public health, and the employment of women and children in factories

combining form

1. indicating action from one individual, group, etc, to another  ⇒ cross-cultural cross-fertilize cross-refer 
2. indicating movement, position, etc, across something (sometimes implying interference, opposition, or contrary action)  ⇒ crosscurrent crosstalk 
3. indicating a crosslike figure or intersection  ⇒ crossbones