cross-eye
|cross-eye|
🇺🇸
/ˈkrɔs.aɪ/
🇬🇧
/ˈkrɒs.aɪ/
eyes turned inward / misaligned eyes
Etymology
'cross-eye' originates from English, formed as a compound of the adjective 'cross' and the noun 'eye'.
'cross' in English comes via Old English/Old Norse forms influenced by Latin 'crux' (meaning 'cross'), while 'eye' comes from Old English 'eage'; the modern compound 'cross-eye' developed from combining these two elements to describe an eye that is 'crossed'.
Initially, the elements simply described an 'eye' associated with being 'cross' (turned); over time the compound came to refer specifically to the medical/observable condition of misaligned or inward-turning eyes (strabismus) and by extension to describe a person with that condition.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an eye that is turned inward or otherwise not aligned with the other eye (a squinting eye).
He could see the doctor's concern when he noticed the child's cross-eye.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 2
informal, often offensive: a person who has eyes that are turned inward (a person with strabismus).
Calling someone a cross-eye is considered rude.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 1
having eyes that do not look in the same direction; affected by strabismus (cross-eyed).
The child has a cross-eye condition that requires treatment.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/12/29 04:24