xxxx
Definition(s) of “X”
-x
suffix
forming the plural of many nouns ending in -u taken from French: : tableaux.
ORIGIN from French.
X 1 |eks| (also x)
noun ( pl. Xs or X's )
1 the twenty-fourth letter of the alphabet.
• denoting the next after W in a set of items, categories, etc.
• denoting an unknown or unspecified person or thing : there is nothing in the data to tell us whether X causes Y or Y causes X.
• ( x) (used in describing play in bridge) denoting an unspecified card other than an honor.
• (usu. x ) the first unknown quantity in an algebraic expression, usually the independent variable. [ORIGIN: the introduction of x, y, and z as symbols of unknown quantities is due to Descartes ( Géométrie, 1637), who took z as the first unknown and then proceeded backward in the alphabet.]
• (usu. x ) denoting the principal or horizontal axis in a system of coordinates : [in combination ] the x -axis.
2 a cross-shaped written symbol, in particular
• used to indicate a position on a map or diagram.
• used to indicate a mistake or incorrect answer.
• used in a letter or message to symbolize a kiss.
• used to indicate one's vote on a paper ballot.
• used in place of the signature of a person who cannot write.
3 a shape like that of a letter X : two wires in the form of an X | [in combination ] an X-shaped cross.
4 the Roman numeral for ten.
verb ( X’s, X’d, X’ing) [ trans. ]
mark or make a sign with an X.
• overwrite or obliterate with an X or series of X’s.
• make void or annul; invalidate : we’re all X-ing things out of our curricula.
X 2
symbol
1 a rating assigned to movies classified as suitable for adults only. Replaced in 1990 by NC-17 .
2 (in systematic names of organisms) hybrid. [ORIGIN: from cross noun 3. ]