In a direction across something; diagonally, perpendicularly, or from side to side rather than lengthwise.
From 'cross' (Old English 'cros') combined with '-wise' suffix (from Old English 'wīse', meaning 'manner' or 'way'). The suffix was productive in English for forming adverbs and appears in 'likewise,' 'lengthwise,' 'clockwise.'
When you cut a log crosswise instead of lengthwise, you're using one of humanity's oldest manufacturing principles—crosswise cuts expose more surface area and were crucial for creating barrel staves, wooden bowls, and other essentials before modern sawmilling.
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