cross
/krɔːs/
noun
Origin
Latin
crux — gallows, stake, or cross
Overview
Meaning Now
- A mark, object, or figure formed by two intersecting lines.
- The principal symbol of the Christian religion, representing the crucifixion of Jesus.
- A structure or situation that involves a mixture of two or more things.
Literal older meaning
An intersecting mark or the instrument of crucifixion.
Language path
Latin → Old Northern French → Middle English → English
Earliest form
crois
Earliest period
12th century
Journey
The word 'cross' entered English via the North French dialect. It largely superseded the Old English word 'rood' (which survives in the term 'rood screen'), reflecting the linguistic influence of the Norman Conquest and the widespread usage of the Latin 'crux' in ecclesiastical contexts.
Evolution
- Classical Latin
crux
“gallows or torture stake”
- Vulgar Latin
croce
“cross, intersecting point”
- Old Northern French
crois
“cross”
Influenced the adoption of the word into Middle English.
- Middle English
cross
“intersecting mark or Christian symbol”
Replaced the Old English term 'rood'.
Connections
Word parts
cross
root
intersecting figure
Related across languages
French
croix
cross
Spanish
cruz
cross
Italian
croce
cross
Explore next
Related to cross
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.