cross-slide: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical/Industrial
Quick answer
What does “cross-slide” mean?
A mechanical component on a lathe that moves the cutting tool perpendicular to the workpiece's axis.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A mechanical component on a lathe that moves the cutting tool perpendicular to the workpiece's axis.
In machining, the part of a lathe carriage that provides transverse motion for tool positioning and facing operations.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No lexical differences; identical technical term in both varieties.
Connotations
Purely technical with no regional connotations.
Frequency
Equally rare in both varieties, confined to engineering contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “cross-slide” in a Sentence
The [tool] is mounted on the cross-slide.Adjust the cross-slide for [operation].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cross-slide” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The operator will cross-slide the tool for facing.
American English
- You need to cross-slide the cutter to the right position.
adverb
British English
- The tool moved cross-slide to face the workpiece.
American English
- Position the holder cross-slide for the cut.
adjective
British English
- The cross-slide mechanism requires lubrication.
American English
- Check the cross-slide calibration regularly.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in engineering textbooks and machining courses.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Core term in lathe operation manuals and machining discussions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cross-slide”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cross-slide”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cross-slide”
- Writing as 'crossslide' (should be hyphenated).
- Using in non-technical contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a highly specialized technical term used only in machining and mechanical engineering.
Yes, in technical jargon, it can be used verbally to describe the action of moving the cross-slide component.
Its primary function is to provide precise transverse (side-to-side) movement of a cutting tool on a lathe for operations like facing or grooving.
No significant difference; the term is identical in both technical vocabularies.
A mechanical component on a lathe that moves the cutting tool perpendicular to the workpiece's axis.
Cross-slide is usually technical/industrial in register.
Cross-slide: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkrɒs slaɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkrɔːs slaɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a slide that moves ACROSS the lathe bed, not along it.
Conceptual Metaphor
None; literal mechanical term.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'cross-slide' exclusively used?