x
1to cross out or mark with or as if with an x (often followed by out): to x out an error.
to indicate choice, as on a ballot or examination (often followed by in): to x in the candidate of your choice.
Origin of x
1Other definitions for x (2 of 6)
Stock Exchange.
(of stock trading) ex dividend.
(of bond trading) ex interest.
Other definitions for x (3 of 6)
an unknown quantity or a variable.
the letter x indicating a variable and used to hold a place in a word or abbreviation that can be occupied by another letter, as in CxO to account for a range of specialized executive positions in a corporation, for example CEO, CFO, and COO.
(used at the end of letters, telegrams, etc., to indicate a kiss.)
(used to indicate multiplication) times: 8 × 8=64.
(used between figures indicating dimensions) by: 3″ × 4″ (read: “three by four inches”);3″ × 4″ × 5″ (read: “three by four by five inches”).
power of magnification: a 50x telescope.
(used as a signature by an illiterate person.)
cross.
crossed with.
(used to indicate a particular place or point on a map or diagram): X marks the spot where the pirates' treasure is buried.
out of; foaled by: a colt by Flag-a-way x Merrylegs.
(used to indicate choice, as on a ballot, examination, etc.)
(used to indicate an error or incorrect answer, as on a test.)
Mathematics. (in Cartesian coordinates) the x-axis.
Chess. captures.
a person, thing, agency, factor, etc., of unknown identity: I feel sorry for poor Mr. X, the man she will ultimately marry.
Other definitions for X (4 of 6)
or x
the 24th letter of the English alphabet, a consonant.
any spoken sound or combination of sounds represented by the letter X or x, as in xylene, box, or exact.
something having the shape of an X.
a written or printed representation of the letter X or x.
a device, as a printer's type, for reproducing the letter X or x.
Other definitions for X (5 of 6)
experimental.
extra.
extraordinary.
Other definitions for X (6 of 6)
the 24th in order or in a series.
(sometimes lowercase) the Roman numeral for 10.: Compare Roman numerals.
Christ.
Christian.
cross.
Electricity. reactance (def. 1).
Slang. a ten-dollar bill.
(no longer in official use by the Motion Picture Association of America) a rating for movies with subject matter that is suitable for adults only.
(in Great Britain) a designation for a film recommended for adults only.: Compare A3 (def. 10), AA2 (def. 5), U5 (def. 6).
a person, thing, agency, factor, etc., of unknown identity.
Chemistry. (formerly) xenon.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use x in a sentence
I wish it had been Sterne that had been robbed, to be revenged for the box that he lost, and be p-xed to him.
The Journal to Stella | Jonathan Swift
British Dictionary definitions for x (1 of 3)
X
/ (ɛks) /
the 24th letter and 19th consonant of the modern English alphabet
a speech sound sequence represented by this letter, in English pronounced as ks or gz or, in initial position, z, as in xylophone
British Dictionary definitions for x (2 of 3)
commerce banking finance ex
maths the x- axis or a coordinate measured along the x- axis in a Cartesian coordinate system
an algebraic variable
British Dictionary definitions for X (3 of 3)
(formerly, in Britain)
indicating a film that may not be publicly shown to anyone under 18. Since 1982 replaced by symbol 18
(as modifier): an X film
denoting any unknown, unspecified, or variable factor, number, person, or thing
(on letters, cards, etc) denoting a kiss
(on ballot papers, etc) indicating choice
(on examination papers, etc) indicating error
for Christ; Christian
(Roman numeral) ten: See Roman numerals
Origin of X
3Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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