decussate Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb cross or intersect so as to form a cross
    • this nerve decussates the other
    • the fibers decussate
  2. adjective satellite crossed or intersected in the form of an X
    intersecting; intersectant.

WordNet

De*cus"sate transitive verb
Etymology
L. decussatus, p. p. of decussare to cross like an X, fr. decussis (orig. equiv. to decem asses) the number ten, which the Romans represented by X.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Decussated; present participle & verbal noun Decussating
Definitions
  1. To cross at an acute angle; to cut or divide in the form of X; to intersect; -- said of lines in geometrical figures, rays of light, nerves, etc.
De*cus"sate, De*cus"sa*ted adjective (Also<
  • Decussate
  • Decussated
)
Definitions
  1. Crossed; intersected.
  2. (Bot.) Growing in pairs, each of which is at right angles to the next pair above or below; as, decussated leaves or branches.
  3. (Rhet.) Consisting of two rising and two falling clauses, placed in alternate opposition to each other; as, a decussated period.

Webster 1913