cross

Maltese cross

A shape that consists in its most basic form of an upright section and a transverse section. The Latin cross has the shape of an irregular dodecahedron with a single (vertical) line of symmetry, and can be folded up to make a cube. Many Western medieval churches have a Latin cross plan, with a long nave, north and south transcepts, and a chancel or chevet.

The Greek cross has the shape of a "+" sign, has four lines of symmetry, and is used as the emblem of the Red Cross organization. A version of the Greek cross that has flared ends is also known as the crux immissa or cross patée. A cross of Saint Andrews is an ordinary Greek cross rotated through 45°, and is also called the crux decussata; it served as the basis for the multiplication sign. A cross of Saint Anthony takes the form of a capital T. The Maltese cross is an irregular dodecahedron whose cross pieces flange out from the center.

Related category

• POLYGONS

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