crosshair
UK[ˈkrɒshɛː]US[ˈkrɔːshɛr]
n
A pair of fine lines or wires crossing at right angles at the focus of an optical instrument, used for aiming or measurement.
n
The reticle pattern, typically a cross shape, in the center of a gunsight, telescope, or other viewing device.
Morpheme Breakdown
cross
hair
cross
cross
hair
hair
Etymology
The term 'crosshair' is a compound word formed from two native English elements. The first part, 'cross', has a complex journey from the Latin 'crux', entering English via Old Irish and Old Norse, and denotes the intersecting shape. The second part, 'hair', is of Proto-Germanic origin, referring to the fine, thread-like quality of the lines. The compound emerged in the 18th century within the context of optics and gunnery, where the need arose for a precise term to describe the extremely thin, intersecting lines used for targeting. The logic is vividly metaphorical, likening the delicate aiming lines to strands of hair arranged in a cross.
Analysis
Structure: cross (cross) + hair (hair)
- cross: From Old English 'cros', from Old Norse 'kross', from Old Irish 'cros', from Latin 'crux, crucis' (cross). Functions as the core semantic element describing the shape.
- hair: From Old English 'hær' (hair). Functions as a metaphorical component, comparing the fine lines to a strand of hair.
Examples
The sniper carefully aligned the target in the center of his scope's crosshair.
For accurate measurement, position the specimen so it lies directly under the microscope's crosshair.
The game's aiming reticle features a simple red crosshair.