cross hair

Thân thiện

The sniper carefully aligned the target in his cross hairs.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A fine line or wire in the optical system of a sighting device: A "cross hair" is one of the two thin, perpendicular lines (or wires) that intersect at the center of the reticle in an optical instrument like a telescope, microscope, or gunsight. They are used for precise aiming, targeting, or measurement.

Usage

• The singular form "cross hair" refers to one of these lines. The plural form "cross hairs" is more commonly used to refer to the intersecting pair as a single reticle.
• It is typically used in contexts involving aiming, targeting, or precise visual alignment.

Examples

• Noun:
  • Align the specimen so it is centered on the cross hair in the microscope's eyepiece.
  • The sniper adjusted the scope until the target was perfectly centered in his cross hairs.

Advanced Usage

• "In the cross hairs" (idiom): To be the focus of attention, criticism, or an attack. This idiom derives from the literal use of cross hairs for targeting.
  • After the scandal, the CEO found himself in the cross hairs of the media.
• "To have someone/something in one's cross hairs": To be targeting or focusing intently on someone or something.
  • The investigative journalist had the corrupt official in her cross hairs.

Variants and Related Words

• Crosshairs (n): The standard, more common spelling for the plural form, often treated as a single word meaning the intersecting lines collectively.
  • The crosshairs in the new rifle scope are illuminated.
• Reticle (n): The broader term for the pattern of fine lines or markings (which may include cross hairs, dots, or other shapes) in the eyepiece of an optical instrument.
• Graticule (n): A network of fine lines, like a reticle, used in measuring or positioning, often in scientific instruments.

Synonyms

• Aiming point: The specific spot targeted.
• Fiducial mark: A reference mark used in optical measurements (more technical).

Related Phrases

• In the sights: A similar idiom meaning to be targeted or under scrutiny.
  • The new policy is in the sights of several activist groups.

Học thuật

Noun

1. either of two fine mutually perpendicular lines that cross in the focus plane of an optical instrument and are use for sighting or calibration
   • he had the target in his cross hairs

Từ đồng nghĩa

• cross wire