A.Word.A.Day--crossbuck
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crossbuck (KROS-buk) noun
An X-shaped warning sign at a highway-railroad crossing.
[From cross- + buck, from sawbuck.]
"The federal investigation could result in an upgrade of warning equipment
at the crossing, which is marked only by stop signs and X-shaped railroad
crossbuck signs."
Truck Driver is Charged in Amtrak Train Collision, The Houston Chronicle,
Jul 13, 1999.
As a parent of a three-year old daughter, I'm constantly besieged with
questions. While on an after-dinner walk, the enquiry comes up,
"Where's the sun gone?"
"He's sleeping."
"Why?"
"Because his mommy put him to bed."
"Why?"
"Because he has to go to pre-school tomorrow."
"Why?"
"Because he likes playing with his friends and teachers."
"Why?"
...
A few more whys later, I'm ready to confess ignorance. Such a small
question -- Why? -- yet so hard to answer. Fortunately, the whats are
easier to tackle. As it happens, the English language has a word for
almost everything around: from the disc on the top of a flagpole (truck),
to the spot on a die or a domino (pip), to the little circle that comes
out of a punched paper (we all know it by now). This week we'll look
at some more words that answer, "What is this called?" -Anu
X-Bonus
He is the best physician who is the most ingenious inspirer of hope.
-Samuel Taylor Coleridge, poet, critic, and philosopher (1772-1834)