crosshead

American  

[kraws-hed, kros-] / ˈkrɔsˌhɛd, ˈkrɒs- /

noun

1. Printing. a title or heading filling a line or group of lines the full width of the column.

2. Machinery. a sliding member of a reciprocating engine for keeping the motion of the joint between a piston rod and a connecting rod in a straight line.

3. Nautical. a crosspiece on a rudderpost by which the rudder is turned.

4. Engineering, Building Trades. a transverse timber for transmitting the lifting effort of two or more jackscrews supporting it to the foot of a shore that it supports.

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crosshead British  

/ ˈkrɒsˌhɛd /

noun

1. printing a subsection or paragraph heading printed within the body of the text

2. a block or beam, usually restrained by sliding bearings in a reciprocating mechanism, esp the junction piece between the piston rod and connecting rod of an engine

3. nautical a bar fixed across the top of the rudder post to which the tiller is attached

4. a block, rod, or beam fixed at the head of any part of a mechanism

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Etymology

Origin of crosshead

First recorded in 1835–45; cross- + head

Example Sentences

The tiller, D, as it is carried to starboard or port, slides through a socket, E, pivoted to the crosshead.

From Scientific American, Volume 40, No. 13, March 29, 1879 A Weekly Journal of Practical Information, Art, Science, Mechanics, Chemistry, and Manufactures by Various

This long frame had to be made to accommodate the crosshead which was necessary for such a short cylinder.

From The Boy Mechanic: Volume 1 700 Things for Boys to Do by Popular Mechanics Co.

Then pass the rod through the gland and assemble the crosshead and fork on its end, and assemble the guides round the crosshead foot.

From Things To Make by Williams, Archibald

The crosshead was connected by two connecting rods to the side levers.

From Fulton's "Steam Battery": Blockship and Catamaran by Chapelle, Howard I. (Howard Irving)

The rack and pinions are of cast steel, as is also the tiller crosshead.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 1178, June 25, 1898 by Various