Definition

1. Verb:

   • To mark or cover something with lines that cross over each other, often repeatedly or in a grid-like pattern.
   • To move or travel back and forth across an area in many different directions.

2. Noun:

   • A pattern or marking consisting of lines that cross each other, forming a network of intersections.

3. Adjective:

   • Marked with or characterized by crossing lines.

4. Adverb:

   • In a manner where lines or paths cross each other, especially moving in opposite directions.

Usage and Examples

• Verb:
  • Power lines crisscross the countryside. (Lines cross over the rural area in a grid.)
  • Ancient trade routes crisscrossed the desert. (Routes traveled back and forth across the desert.)
• Noun:
  • The fabric had a neat crisscross of stitches. (The fabric's pattern was made of crossing lines.)
  • A crisscross of scars marked the old table. (A network of crossed lines from scars was visible.)
• Adjective:
  • She wore crisscross straps on her sandals. (The sandals had straps arranged in a crossing pattern.)
• Adverb:
  • The ribbons were tied crisscross around the pole. (The ribbons were wrapped so they crossed over each other.)

Advanced Usage

• "Crisscrossed with": Used to describe something densely covered or marked by crossing lines of a specific thing.
  • His face was crisscrossed with deep wrinkles.
• Conceptual Use: Can describe non-physical things that intersect or overlap.
  • Their stories crisscross throughout the novel.

Variants and Related Words

• Crisscrossed (adj/verb, past tense): The state of being marked by crossing lines or the past action of making such marks.
  • The map was crisscrossed with hiking trails.
• Crisscrossing (adj/verb, present participle): The ongoing action or resulting state of forming a crisscross pattern.
  • The crisscrossing beams supported the roof.

Synonyms

• Interweave (verb): To weave or blend together.
• Intersect (verb): To cross or cut through.
• Lattice (noun): A structure of crossed strips.
• Grid (noun): A network of lines crossing at right angles.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions

(This word does not commonly form phrasal verbs. Its meaning is typically expressed directly.)

Related Idioms

• "A crisscross pattern": A common descriptive phrase for the specific intersecting design.
  • The basket was woven in a crisscross pattern.

Adjective

1. marked with crossing lines

Adverb

1. crossing one another in opposite directions

Noun

1. a marking that consists of lines that cross each other

Verb

1. mark with a pattern of crossing lines
   • crisscross the sheet of paper
2. mark with or consist of a pattern of crossed lines
   • wrinkles crisscrossed her face
3. cross in a pattern, often random