X mark
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An x mark (also known as a cross, x, ex, exmark or into mark[1]) 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" (ばつ) and can be expressed by someone by crossing their arms.[2]
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[citation needed] 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.[3] 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)[4] 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.
Unicode
Unicode provides various related symbols, including:
| Symbol | Unicode Codepoint (Hex) | Name |
|---|---|---|
| ☐ | U+2610 | BALLOT BOX (checkbox) |
| ☒ | U+2612 | BALLOT BOX WITH X (square with cross) |
| ✗ | U+2717 | BALLOT X (cross) |
| ✘ | U+2718 | HEAVY BALLOT X (bold cross) |
The mark is generally rendered with a less symmetrical form than the following cross-shaped mathematical symbols:
| Symbol | Unicode Codepoint (Hex) | Name |
|---|---|---|
| × | U+00D7 | MULTIPLICATION SIGN (z notation Cartesian product) |
| ╳ | U+2573 | BOX DRAWINGS LIGHT DIAGONAL CROSS |
| ☓ | U+2613 | SALTIRE (St Andrew's Cross) |
| ✕ | U+2715 | MULTIPLICATION X |
| ✖ | U+2716 | HEAVY MULTIPLICATION X |
| ⨉ | U+2A09 | N-ARY TIMES OPERATOR |
| ⨯ | U+2A2F | VECTOR OR CROSS PRODUCT |
| 🗙 | U+1F5D9 | CANCELLATION X |
| 🗴 | U+1F5F4 | BALLOT SCRIPT X |
| 🞩 | U+1F7A9 | LIGHT SALTIRE |
See also
- Mathematics
- Subcultures
Footnotes
- ^ Due to its similarity to the multiplication sign.
- ^ "What is Maru Batsu?". genkienglish.net. Retrieved 2016-07-23.
- ^ "Notarizing for Blind and Illiterate Individuals". American Association of Notaries. December 2, 2013. Retrieved 5 June 2014.
- ^ "Definition of X at Merriam-Webster". Merriam-Webster. Merriam-Webster, Inc. Retrieved 26 February 2014.