crosstie

[ kraws-tahy, kros- ]

noun

1. Railroads. a tie.
2. a transverse timber forming a foundation or support.

Other Words From

• crosstied adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of crosstie¹

An Americanism dating back to 1805–15; cross- + tie

Example Sentences

The White man leaving the Taylor house fled via Rosewood, stopping at the home of Aaron Carrier, a Black man who worked as a crosstie cutter, according to Jenkins, who is Aaron Carrier’s niece.

From Washington Post

Another person who was operating the equipment had finished tamping a crosstie, tried to stop at another crosstie but continued going forward and struck Morgan, who later died from his injuries.

From Washington Times

A small crosstie fire broke out on the tracks, but was put out with a fire extinguisher, Washington Metrorail Safety Commission spokesman Max Smith said.

From Washington Post

“Railroads simultaneously opened up whole new forests as well as new markets, while using tremendous amounts of timber for crossties.”

From Washington Times

To create the needed clearance for taller trains, the tunnel’s arched ceiling would be notched, its floor would be lowered and steel crossties, which lie lower than wooden ones, would be installed.

From Washington Post