crosstalk: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumTechnical, Semi-formal
Quick answer
What does “crosstalk” mean?
Unwanted interference or transfer of signals between communication channels, causing disruption or confusion.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Unwanted interference or transfer of signals between communication channels, causing disruption or confusion.
1. In electronics/telecom: The undesired capacitive or inductive coupling between wires. 2. By extension: Confused, overlapping, or witty conversation between two or more people.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in definition or spelling. The term is international in technical fields.
Connotations
Slightly more common in British English in the conversational, humorous sense (e.g., comedy 'crosstalk').
Frequency
Equally frequent in technical contexts in both varieties. The conversational metaphor is more established in UK media/culture.
Grammar
How to Use “crosstalk” in a Sentence
N (between N and N)N (in N)V? (to crosstalk - rare technical verb form)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “crosstalk” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The poorly shielded cables began to crosstalk, corrupting the data stream.
- These adjacent circuits can crosstalk if not properly grounded.
American English
- The old telephone lines would often crosstalk, allowing you to hear another conversation.
- The design ensures the channels do not crosstalk.
adverb
British English
- [Extremely rare. Not standard.]
American English
- [Extremely rare. Not standard.]
adjective
British English
- The crosstalk performance of this audio interface is exceptional.
- A crosstalk reduction algorithm was implemented.
American English
- The crosstalk specifications are listed in the datasheet.
- We measured the crosstalk attenuation.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Discussed in meetings about audio/network quality, product design (e.g., 'We need to eliminate crosstalk in the new headset').
Academic
Common in engineering, physics, and telecommunications papers discussing signal integrity and circuit design.
Everyday
Rare. Might be used by tech enthusiasts or in describing a poor phone line. The conversational metaphor is understood but not common.
Technical
The primary domain. Precisely defined in electronics (measured in decibels), audio engineering, and network protocol design.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “crosstalk”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “crosstalk”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “crosstalk”
- Using it as a fancy synonym for any conversation. Confusing it with 'crossfire' (which is conflict). Using the verb form ('they crosstalked') in non-technical writing.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is formal and standard in technical writing. In general use, it is semi-formal and somewhat metaphorical.
Yes, but primarily in technical/engineering contexts (e.g., 'The signals crosstalk'). Using it as a verb in everyday language ('they crosstalked') sounds odd and is not recommended.
Crosstalk is interference between separate channels. Feedback is when an output signal loops back into the input of the same system, causing a howl or squeal.
Not exactly. In its rare conversational sense, 'crosstalk' implies witty, rapid, and overlapping exchange, similar to some banter. However, 'banter' is lighter and more common, while 'crosstalk' carries a stronger metaphor of interference or crossing lines.
Unwanted interference or transfer of signals between communication channels, causing disruption or confusion.
Crosstalk: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkrɒs.tɔːk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkrɑːs.tɑːk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms. The word itself is often used metaphorically.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine two people trying to TALK on phones that are CROSSed wired, causing interference and confused CROSSTALK.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMUNICATION CHANNELS ARE PHYSICAL PATHS (and when they cross, signals 'leak').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'crosstalk' used correctly?