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Glite Dictionary
cross wire

cross wire

1 7.7
Thin crossed lines in devices like a telescope or microscope that help you aim
  • noun
  • Specialized
: cruz de alambre
  • The telescope's cross wire helped the astronomer center the star in her field of view.

Examples

  • Through the microscope, the specimen was carefully positioned at the intersection of the cross wire.

  • He adjusted the cross wire so that it perfectly aligned with the reference point.

  • The cross wire is essential for precise measurements.

  • Can you see the cross wires in the microscope?

  • He adjusted the cross wire so that it perfectly aligned with the reference point.

  • The telescope's cross wire helped the astronomer center the star in her field of view.

  • Through the microscope, the specimen was carefully positioned at the intersection of the cross wire.

Synonyms

crosshairs
vscross wire
6 4.4

Thin lines in a scope or camera view that show where you aim

is the physical wired or focused-plane instrument element, not just screen graphics
cross hair
vscross wire
  • Specialized
4 5.5

Fine crossing lines in a sight or microscope used to aim

refers specifically to thin physical wires rather than only drawn marks
crosshair
vscross wire
1 4.1

A small set of lines on a sight or screen that shows the exact point to aim at

is about actual thin wires placed in the focus plane for aiming

Surface Forms

cross wire singular
cross wires plural

Morphology

cross + wire

The meaning is directly and compositionally derivable from 'cross' (intersecting lines) + 'wire' (a thin strand): a wire that forms or is part of a crossing/reticle of intersecting wires. While the term is used in a technical optical context, its sense is transparent and predictable from the constituents, so a B1 learner who knows both words would likely infer the meaning.

Etymology

Cross wire is the name for two thin wires that cross and form a small plus sign inside a telescope or microscope. They mark the center used to 'aim' or 'focus' the view, so the term means the fine wires that help point and line up the instrument.