cross-link: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “cross-link” mean?
A physical or chemical bond that connects one polymer chain to another.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A physical or chemical bond that connects one polymer chain to another.
Any connection or relationship between two distinct things, especially in computing, data, or abstract systems.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant orthographic or usage differences. Both varieties use it predominantly in technical contexts.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialised in both UK and US English.
Grammar
How to Use “cross-link” in a Sentence
[verb] to cross-link A and B[verb] A is cross-linked to B[noun] a cross-link between A and BVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cross-link” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The process is designed to cross-link the polymer chains, improving the material's strength.
- Researchers aim to cross-link the collagen fibres artificially.
American English
- The new resin will cross-link upon exposure to UV light.
- They used glutaraldehyde to cross-link the proteins in the sample.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in technical R&D reports or material science patents.
Academic
Common in chemistry, biochemistry, polymer science, and materials engineering journals.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Unlikely to be used in casual conversation.
Technical
The primary context. Used to describe bonds in polymers, proteins, gels, and networked systems.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cross-link”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cross-link”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cross-link”
- Using 'cross-link' as a synonym for a hyperlink. Writing it as one word 'crosslink' is also common but 'cross-link' with a hyphen is the standard form for the noun/verb.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
While 'crosslink' is sometimes seen, especially in American technical writing, the hyphenated form 'cross-link' is considered more standard for both noun and verb, particularly in British English and formal publications.
A 'link' is a general connection. A 'cross-link' is a specific type of connection that typically joins two longer, parallel, or independent chains or structures, creating a network.
Yes, but it's less common. It can describe relationships or references between different data sets, files, or database records, implying a mutual connection rather than a simple one-way hyperlink.
The participle 'cross-linked' functions as the adjective (e.g., 'cross-linked polymers'). There is no simple adjective form like 'cross-linky'.
A physical or chemical bond that connects one polymer chain to another.
Cross-link is usually technical/scientific in register.
Cross-link: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkrɒs lɪŋk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkrɔːs lɪŋk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a ladder (the polymer chains) with the rungs being the CROSS-LINKS that hold the two sides together.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONNECTION IS A TIE/BOND; NETWORKED STRUCTURE IS A WEB.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'cross-link' MOST commonly used?