Where does “crosstalk” come from?

Crosstalk is a 20th-century English compound of cross- and talk, ultimately derived from Proto-Germanic talkōną through Middle English talken, tracing to Proto-Indo-European del- meaning to split or divide.

crosstalk (English): Undesirable signals from a neighbouring...

Definitions

  1. Undesirable signals from a neighbouring...

Ancestry of “crosstalk”, step by step

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1Englishcross-exchange; switch; across; Indicating...
2Irishcros-cross-
3Irishcroscross; crosspiece; trial, affliction
4Old Irishcroscross
5Latincruxwooden frame on which criminals were crucified,...
6Proto-Italic*kruks—
7Proto-Indo-Europeansḱer-to caw, crow
Every word from Proto-Indo-European sḱer- →Every word from Proto-Italic *kruks →Every word from Latin crux →