decussate

Meanings

1. Crossed; intersected; resembling a letter X.
2. Having anatomical structures or markings crossing each other, typically in an X shape or at right angles.
3. Having opposite leaves arranged alternately at right angles.
4. Consisting of two rising and two falling clauses, placed in alternate opposition to each other.

1. To form an X or to cross or intersect.

Etymology

The adjective is first attested in 1825, the verb in 1658. Borrowed from Latin decussātus, perfect passive participle of decussō (“to divide crosswise, arrange crosswise or mark with a cross”) (see -ate (adjective-forming suffix) and -ate (verb-forming suffix)), from decussis (“a coin worth ten asses; a cross sign (from the cross shape of the Roman numeral for ten carved on the coins)”), from decem (“ten”) + as (“a Roman coin”).