x
x Lexical Profile
• noun
The twenty-fourth letter of the modern English alphabet.
"The word 'xylophone' begins with the letter x."
A symbol used in algebra and mathematics to represent an unknown quantity or first variable, or by extension any unknown or unnamed person, factor, or thing.
"The students were asked to solve the quadratic equation for x."
A cross-shaped mark or figure formed by two intersecting lines, often used to indicate a specific location on a map, a choice on a ballot, a kiss at the end of a letter, or a signature made by an illiterate person.
"Please put an x in the box next to your preferred candidate."
The Roman numeral representing the number ten.
"Chapter X of the textbook covers the history of the Roman Empire."
• verb
To cancel, obliterate, or cross out with a series of x's, or to mark with an x-shaped symbol.
"She x'd out the mistake on the typed form before submitting it."
• Rhymes for x
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived via Latin and Etruscan from the Western Greek letter Chi (X), which represented the /ks/ consonant cluster.