Crossarms

Part of speech: noun, verb

Definitions

1. An arrangement where arms intersect or overlap, commonly seen in various contexts such as architecture or equipment
2. a position where two limbs or parts are placed across each other to create an intersection
3. a visual or structural design element involving the crossing of two components or sections

Etymology: "Crossarms" is the plural of "crossarm," a noun meaning a horizontal bar fixed across a utility pole to hold insulators and wires. The word is a plain compound of "cross" and "arm," with "arm" used in its older sense of a projecting limb or branch, as in the arm of a tree or the arm of a lever. The "cross" element points to the bar's position: it lies across the pole at right angles to it. Because the two parts are common English words, the compound needs little explanation. The noun is written as one word and is used both in the singular and, more often, in the plural, since poles usually carry more than one crossarm. The same compound also appears as a verb in the sense of fitting a pole with these bars.

Synonyms: arms crossed, folded arms, interlocked arms

Antonyms: open arms, unfolded arms