An x mark (also known as a cross, x, ex, exmark or into mark) is a mark (x, ×, X, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, etc.) used to indicate the concept of negation (for example "no, this has not been verified" or "no, I don't agree") as well as an indicator (for example in election ballot papers or in x marks the spot). Its opposite is often considered to be the check mark or tick (or the O mark used in Japan, Korea and Taiwan). In Japanese, the X mark (×) is called "batsu" (??) and can be expressed by someone by crossing their arms.
In some areas it's common for people to check a square box with a cross rather than a check mark, while in others the check mark (?) or even a v mark is used.
It is also used as a replacement for a signature for a person who is blind or illiterate and thus cannot write his or her name. Typically, the writing of an X used for this purpose must be witnessed to be valid.
As a verb, to ex (or x, notably one of the shortest English words) off/out or to cross off/out means to add such a mark. It is quite common, especially on printed forms and document, for there to be squares in which to place x marks, or interchangeably checks.
It is also traditionally used on maps to indicate locations, most famously on treasure maps.
Video X mark
Unicode
Unicode provides various related symbols, including:
The mark is generally rendered with a less symmetrical form than the following cross-shaped mathematical symbols:
Maps X mark
See also
- List of international common standards
- Saltire
- Tally marks
- Mathematics
- Multiplication sign
- Cartesian product
- Cross product
- Subcultures
- Straight edge
Footnotes
Source of the article : Wikipedia