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Glite Dictionary
⚡ Opposing forces 🌊 A sideways flow
crosscurrent

crosscurrent

1 7.9
A flow of water that moves across another flow and makes rough water
  • noun
  • /ˈkrɔsˌkɜr.ənt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : corriente cruzada
  • As we navigated the river, the strong crosscurrent made it difficult for the kayakers to stay in their intended path.
  • strong crosscurrents

Examples

  • The sailors had to carefully steer their boat, as the crosscurrent created unexpected turbulence in the water.

  • It was rich in currents and crosscurrents, and a bit of skill was required to make one's rendezvous when streams and eddies conspired to confound your navigation.

    Fiction book (1995)

  • That's upstream, crosscurrent... and bad luck, besides.

    Fiction book (1991)

  • They sat in the crosscurrent of the fan and air-conditioner vent as they watched TV and ate their dinner.

    Fiction book (1994)

  • While fishing, we noticed a strong crosscurrent that tangled our lines and made casting more challenging.

Synonyms

rip
vscrosscurrent
  • Specialized
10 8.4

A strong fast current in water that pulls swimmers away

results from currents intersecting at an angle rather than only opposing each other
countercurrent
vscrosscurrent
  • Specialized
1 8.4

A flow of water that moves against the main current and causes the water to swirl

happens when currents intersect at angles not only by opposing flow
tide rip
vscrosscurrent
  • Specialized
8.8

A stretch of rough water where water flows meet and swirl

is produced when one current meets another at an angle
crossflow
vscrosscurrent
  • Specialized
6.7

A movement of fluid across the main direction, also a machine or system that uses this movement

describes natural water currents meeting at angles in rivers and seas

How Turbulent

whirlpool
28 3.8
riptide
7 8.2
crosscurrent
  • Specialized
1 7.9
to eddy
1 5.8
current
166 3.2

Surface Forms

crosscurrent singular
crosscurrents plural

Morphology

crosscurrent = cross + current (transparent) = cross + current

A straightforward compound: 'cross' (across/intersecting) + 'current' directly describes a current that intersects another.

Etymology

Crosscurrent is made from cross ('across' or 'at an angle') and current ('a flow' of water or air), so picture one flow cutting across another and making rough, swirling water.