De*cus"sate (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Decussated; p. pr. & vb. n. Decussating.] [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.]

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.

 

© Webster 1913.


De*cus"sate (?), De*cus"sa*ted (?), a.

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.

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