Across  —prep. 1 to or on the other side of (across the river). 2 from one side to another side of (spread across the floor). 3 at or forming an angle with (a stripe across the flag). —adv. 1 to or on the other side (ran across). 2 from one side to another (stretched across).  across the board applying to all. [french à, en, croix: related to *cross]