crosshead: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Technical/Academic
Quick answer
What does “crosshead” mean?
A distinct heading placed in the body of a text, typically centered and often using a larger or bold font, to break up sections.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A distinct heading placed in the body of a text, typically centered and often using a larger or bold font, to break up sections.
1. (Engineering/Printing) A metal block mounted between the piston rod and connecting rod in a steam engine or internal combustion engine. 2. A horizontal beam or bar, especially in a printing press.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The typographical sense is standard in both. The engineering sense is identical, though more common in British engineering texts.
Connotations
None beyond technical specificity.
Frequency
Very low frequency overall. The typographical sense is more likely encountered by editors, designers, and academics; the engineering sense is confined to mechanical texts.
Grammar
How to Use “crosshead” in a Sentence
The article [has/contains/uses] several crossheads.A [typographer/editor] [inserted/added] a crosshead.The [design/engine] [features/includes] a crosshead.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “crosshead” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The editor decided to crosshead the lengthy section for clarity.
American English
- We should crosshead this chapter to improve readability.
adjective
British English
- The crosshead bearing required lubrication.
American English
- It was a crosshead steam engine design.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used in formal report writing or publishing.
Academic
Used in typography, publishing studies, and mechanical engineering.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Primary context: 1) Publishing/typography for text layout. 2) Mechanical engineering for engine components.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “crosshead”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “crosshead”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “crosshead”
- Misspelling as 'cross head' (two words).
- Confusing with 'crosshair' (aiming reticle).
- Using it to mean a stubborn person (mix-up with 'hardhead').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency technical term specific to publishing/design and mechanical engineering.
A crosshead is a specific type of subheading, often centered and placed within the body text, not in a margin or at the consistent top of sections.
Yes, though rare. It means to insert a crosshead into a text (e.g., 'The section was crossheaded').
Due to potential confusion with the more common word 'crosshair' (прицельная сетка) and the lack of a direct one-word translation.
A distinct heading placed in the body of a text, typically centered and often using a larger or bold font, to break up sections.
Crosshead is usually technical/academic in register.
Crosshead: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkrɒshɛd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkrɔːshɛd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'cross' (+) placed in the 'head' of a section – it visually cuts across the text to create a new part.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SIGNPOST (guiding the reader through textual territory). A LINK (connecting piston to rod).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'crosshead' primarily a mechanical component?