DECUSSATE

decussate, intersectant, intersecting

(adjective) crossed or intersected in the form of an X

decussate

(verb) cross or intersect so as to form a cross; “this nerve decussates the other”; “the fibers decussate”

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Adjective

decussate (comparative more decussate, superlative most decussate)

Crossed; intersected; resembling a letter X.

(zoology) Having anatomical structures or markings crossing each other, typically in an X shape or at right angles.

(botany) Having opposite leaves arranged alternately at right angles.

(rhetoric) Consisting of two rising and two falling clauses, placed in alternate opposition to each other.

Synonyms

• decussant

Verb

decussate (third-person singular simple present decussates, present participle decussating, simple past and past participle decussated)

To form an X or to cross or intersect.

Source: Wiktionary

De*cus"sate, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Decussated; p. pr. & vb. n. Decussating.] Etym: [L. decussatus, p. p. of decussare to cross like an X, fr. decussis (orig. equiv. to decem asses) the number ten, which the Romans represented by X.]

Definition: To cross at an acute angle; to cut or divide in the form of X; to intersect; -- said of lines in geometrical figures, rays of light, nerves, etc.

De*cus"sate, De*cus"sa*ted, a.

1. Crossed; intersected.

2. (Bot.)

Definition: Growing in pairs, each of which is at right angles to the next pair above or below; as, decussated leaves or branches.

3. (Rhet.)

Definition: Consisting of two rising and two falling clauses, placed in alternate opposition to each other; as, a decussated period.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition