cross-grained

[ kraws-greynd, kros- ]

adjective

1. having the grain running transversely or diagonally, or having an irregular or gnarled grain, as timber.
2. stubborn; perverse.

cross-grained

adjective

1. (of timber) having the fibres arranged irregularly or in a direction that deviates from the axis of the piece
2. perverse, cantankerous, or stubborn

Other Words From

• cross-grainedly adverb
• cross-grainedness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of cross-grained¹

First recorded in 1640–50

Example Sentences

Here, everybody has a “cross-grained stubbornness and iconoclast’s temper.”

From Los Angeles Times

He wrote, “You possess all the attributes of a demagogue: a screeching, horrible voice; a perverse, cross-grained nature; and the language of the market-place.”

From Washington Post

The geologic mystery of the canyon is how the south-trending Colorado River made a sudden turn westward to carve its way, cross-grained, through four plateaus.

From Salon

In the end, you have little cross-grained pallets, which you sandwich together with jam.

From Washington Post

Perverse, obstinate, contrary, cross-grained, intractable, not amenable, in a dour sullen mood.

From BBC

Related Words

• capricious
• delinquent
• errant
• erratic
• headstrong
• rebellious
• recalcitrant
• unruly