Definition

A horizontal beam or rod that supports and connects the rails of a railway track.

Example

The workers replaced the old crossties to ensure the train tracks were stable.

Conversation

Did you see the new train tracks they installed downtown?

Yeah, I did! They used some really sturdy crossties for support.

I wonder how long those will last compared to the old ones.

Hopefully a long time, because those old tracks were falling apart.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Crosstie → The word is formed from "cross" (from Old English "cros", meaning a structure that intersects) and "tie" (from Old English "tīgan", meaning to fasten or bind). A crosstie refers to a structural element that binds or supports the rails of a railroad, intersecting them at right angles.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'cross' as something that intersects and a 'tie' as something that binds together — a crosstie is what holds the railroad tracks together at their intersections.

Visually Confused Words