Definition of crossbar

The word "crossbar" originates from the Old French word "barre estrice," meaning "strict bar" or "strict beam." This term was used to describe a horizontal bar that was adds a level of support to a structure or device. As technology evolved, the term "crossbar" became specifically associated with devices that utilize an element that crosses a horizontal bar, such as a switch, where a moving bar is activated by crossing over a fixed bar. In the context of electrical engineering, a "crossbar" is a component in a switch or a crossbar switch, where multiple paths are interconnected by horizontal and vertical bars in a grid-like structure. This allows for the routing of signals or data between various destinations. The term "crossbar" is also used in sports, particularly in the context of goalposts, where a horizontal bar is placed between two vertical posts to create a goal that must be crossed in order to score points. Overall, the word "crossbar" has evolved from its Old French origins to become a versatile term that is applicable to a variety of contexts and disciplines, as it signifies the intersection of two elements at a right angle.