crosshatch
UK[ˈkrɒsˌhætʃ]US[ˈkrɔːsˌhætʃ]
v
to mark or shade with two sets of parallel lines that cross each other.
n
a pattern or shading made of crossed parallel lines.
Morpheme Breakdown
cross
hatch
cross
across
hatch
to mark with lines
Etymology
the word 'crosshatch' is a transparent compound formed within english. its first element, 'cross', originates from latin 'crux', which referred to a wooden stake or frame used for execution, evolving to signify the intersecting shape itself. the second element, 'hatch', derives from the old french 'hacher', meaning to chop or cut into, which in artistic and technical contexts came to mean marking with fine, parallel lines. when combined, the literal meaning "to mark with lines drawn across one another" perfectly describes the technique of creating a grid-like pattern for shading or texture in drawing and engraving.
Analysis
Structure: cross (across) + hatch (to mark with lines)
- cross: from old english 'cros', from old norse 'kross', from latin 'crux, crucis' (stake, cross). functions as a combining form meaning "across" or "transverse".
- hatch: from middle english 'hachen', from old french 'hacher' (to chop, cut into), of germanic origin. functions as a verb root meaning "to mark or engrave with lines".
Examples
the artist used a fine pen to crosshatch the shadowed area, giving it depth and texture.
the map denoted the marshland with a distinctive green crosshatch.
you can crosshatch the background to make the central figure stand out more clearly.