stauro-, staur- +

In invertebrate zoology, a ractinal spicule in which all four rays are in a single plane: The stauractines of the dorsal sponge-layer have two atrophied arms and the other four are in a pattern of a cross.

A "spicule" is a small pointed structure serving as a skeletal element in various marine and freshwater invertebrates, such as sponges and corals.

A “cross lizard” from Late Triassic. Named for the Southern Cross star group, best seen in the Southern Hemisphere. The only genus yet described lived in Brazil and Argentina, South America. It was named by Edwin Harris Colbert (born 1905) in 1970.

A “cross (southern cross) lizard” from Middle or Late Triassic Santa Maria, southern Brazil. It was named for the constellation of the Southern Cross, which marks the Southen Hemisphere, including Brazil. Named by Colbert in 1970.

In medicine, a craniometric point at the intersection of the median and transverse palatine sutures.

In biology, cross fertilization or the union of male and female gametes from different individuals of the same species.

One who worships the cross.

The worship of the cross or of the figure of Christ on the cross. Historically it is not a complimentary term. This was a post-Reformation (Protestant) term of reproach mingled with contempt that was applied to the Roman Catholic veneration of the crucifix.

Literally, "cross-stone"; a reddish-brown or black mineral of iron and magnesium that occurs as prismatic crystals in metamorphic rocks, often in a cross shape. It is used as a gemstone that often forms twin crystals in the shape of a cross. The term metamorphism refers to a change in the physical structure of rock that results from long-term heat and pressure; especially a change that increases the rock's hardness and crystalline structure.

A science or doctrine of the cross (crucifix).

An abnormal veneration of the crucifix (cross) and for what it represents.

In the Eastern Church, a reference to a church or monastery directly subject to the patriarch rather than to the bishop of the diocese; so named because in each there was a cross sent by the patriarch that was erected as a sign.

An abnormal dread or hatred of the crucifix: Valerie had a very bad experience once when she went to church and viewed the image of the crucified Jesus on a cross and had to leave the building quickly because she felt suddenly ill, and thereafter she had staurophobia.

A leaf having palisade [arrangement of apposed stake-like elongated cellular structures] or other compact tissue.

An optical instrument used in determining the position of the planes of light-vibration in sections of crystals.

A cross-shaped or a triquetrous [three-cornered] spore.