Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner's English Dictionary - cross-current

(cross-currents) Note: in AM, also use 'crosscurrent' 1. A cross-current is a current in a river or sea that flows across another current. Cross-currents can sweep the strongest swimmer helplessly away. N-COUNT: usu pl 2. You can refer to conflicting ideas or traditions as cross-currents. ...the cross-currents within the Conservative Party. N-COUNT: usu pl, usu with supp