Pronunciation: [kɹˈɒs hˈat͡ʃ] (IPA) 
The spelling of "cross hatch" is pronounced /krɔːs hætʃ/. The word is spelled by combining the two separate words of "cross" and "hatch". The first word, "cross", is pronounced with the long "o" sound /krɔːs/, and the following word, "hatch", uses the short "a" sound /hætʃ/. Together, these words create the compound "cross hatch", meaning to draw intersecting lines over a surface to create a pattern or texture.
Cross hatching is a technique used in art, specifically drawing and illustration, where two or more sets of lines are layered on top of each other in a diagonal, intersecting pattern. The lines are typically parallel but slanted in different directions, creating a mesh-like effect on the paper. The resulting pattern resembles the weave of a fabric or a grid, similar to the crosshatching of chicken wire, hence the term "cross hatching."
The purpose of cross hatching is to add shading, depth, and texture to a drawing or illustration. By varying the spacing and density of the lines, artists can achieve a range of tonal values and create optical illusions of light and shadow. Cross hatching allows an artist to represent different surfaces, such as the roughness of tree bark or the wrinkles on someone's face, by enhancing the visual perception of three-dimensionality.
This technique has been widely used throughout art history and can be found in various artistic styles, from the Renaissance to contemporary art. Notable artists who utilized cross hatching include Albrecht Dürer, Michelangelo, and Rembrandt. In addition to its traditional application in drawing, cross hatching has also been adapted for printmaking, engraving, and even digital art, where it is recreated using digital brushes and tools.
The word "crosshatch" originated from a combination of two separate words: "cross" and "hatch".
The word "cross" comes from the Old English word "crois", which was derived from the Latin "crux". "Crux" originally referred to an upright pole or stake and later evolved to signify the shape of a cross.
On the other hand, "hatch" comes from the Middle English word "hacche", which originated from the Old English word "hæcc" meaning a lattice or grating. It is believed to be related to the Old High German word "hecko" and Old Norse word "hekja", both meaning fence or lattice.
Together, "cross" and "hatch" form "crosshatch", which describes the technique of creating a pattern of lines crossing at right angles to create shading, texture, or depth in a drawing or illustration.
