This page will contain external links about X, as they become available.

X


X is the twenty-fourth letter of the Latin alphabet. It is also the form of St Andrew's Cross.

/ks/ was in Ancient Greece written as Chi 'Χ' (Western Greek) or Xi 'Ξ' (Eastern Greek). In the end, Chi was standardized as /k_h/ (/x/ in Modern Greek) as well as Xi for /ks/. But the Etruscans took over X from older Western Greek, therefore, it stood for /ks/ in Etruscan and /ks/ and /gs/ [gz] in Latin. Only in Kurdish, Azeri, Uzbek, Tatar and Lojban as well as the IPA and SAMPA (the latter is used here) is X pronounced [x] (as in German Bach). Some scholars claim that Latin X is not identical with Greek Χ.

It is also controversial whether Psi, Chi (Khi) and Xi are Greek inventions or whether they are ultimately of Semitic origin.

The letter X is not used in the Italian language, except for words borrowed from other languages, or names of foreigners. No words in the Basic English vocabulary begin with X, but it occurs in words beginning with other letters.

The letter X is spoken as X-ray in the NATO phonetic alphabet.

Meanings for X

  • In a general sense, X represents an unknown or secret, as in project X or mister X.
  • Members of the Nation of Islam change their surnames to "X" to symbolize that their African names were lost in slavery, an example is Malcolm X.
  • In aeronautics, X is the designation given to an experimental aircraft of the US government, for instance, the X-1 rocketplane that first broke the sound barrier. It is also a prefix to experimental types of US military aircraft, for instance, the XB-70.
  • In anime, X is the title of a series based on the manga X/1999 (see X (anime)).
  • In art X alludes to the infinite joy of creation.
  • In astronomy, Planet X is a hypothetical planet in the Solar System beyond the orbit of Pluto.
  • In beverages, X is a symbol for an alcoholic proof of 50; multiple Xes indicate multiples of 50.
  • In cabalistic philosophy X references both birth and death.
  • In clothing X is used as an abbreviation for extra, such as XXL for extra-extra-large or XM for extra-medium.
  • In computing:
    • X is the name of a free graphical windowing system developed at MIT and standard on Unix and Linux; see X Window System.
    • X is often used as a symbol of multiplication, as in denoting the spin (and, later, transfer) speed of CDs and DVDs compared to an original standard speed. This usage is a corruption of the multiplication symbol ×. The data transfer speed for 1X CDs is 153,600 bytes/second and one for 1X DVDs is 1,385,000 bytes/second (approximately 9.02 times faster).
    • X is used as an abbreviation for the Apple operating system Mac OS X.
    • x is the repetition operator in Perl programming language.
  • In French education, X is a nickname for the École Polytechnique.
  • In electrical engineering, X is the symbol for reactance.
  • In English,
    • X is an abbreviation for Christ, as in Xmas (Christmas), X(t)ian (Christian), and Xianity (Christianity).
    • X is a symbol for a kiss, as in love notes. (See Hugs and Kisses.)
    • X is an abbreviation for cross in words like Xing (crossing), or to sign with a cross (often for illiteracy).
    • X also serves as other abbreviations, such as Xtal (Crystal), reXn (reaction), Xlation (translation), and SXSW (South by Southwest Festival).
  • In American slang, X is often used as an abbreviation of ecstasy (MDMA), a synthetic drug.
  • In film
    • X is a rating given to films suitable for an adult-only audience; see X-rated. NC-17 has replaced the X rating in the US. The UK replaced the X rating with the 18 certificate. Australia retains the X rating.
    • X is the name of a 1928 German film; see X (film)
    • The X-Files was a popular 1990s American science fiction television series.
  • In financial securities, X is the stock symbol for United States Steel Corporation.
  • In games, X is representation for a cross in games like tic tac toe (naughts and crosses)
  • In genetics X denotes the X chromosome.
    • In gender XX denotes female in the XY sex-determination system.
  • In mathematics,
    • x commonly represents an unknown variable. Even though any letter can be used, x is the most common by far. This usage can be traced back to the Arabic word ?ay 'thing' which was spelled with an initial x in Old Spanish or (according to other sources) an abbreviation of Latin causa which was the translation of Arabic š.
    • x is the usual symbol for the variable represented on the horizontal axis (ordinate) in analytic geometry.
    • x means 10 in Roman numbers
  • In military science, X is the US Navy hull classification symbol for Submersible Craft.
  • In photography X denotes exact time in flash synchronization.
  • In physics, the X-ray is a form of electromagnetic radiation.
  • In popular music,
    • X is the name of a Los Angeles punk rock band (see X (US band)).
    • X is the name of an Australian punk rock band (see X (Australian band)).
    • X was the initial name of the Japanese visual kei rock band X Japan.
  • In pornography XXX relates, unsurprisingly, to sex.
  • As the first letter of a postal code,
    • In Canada, X stands for Nunavut and the Northwest Territories.
  • In U.S. politics, X is the pseudonym of the person who blew the whistle on the Watergate crisis.
  • In U.S. public policy, X is the author (George F. Kennan) of the X article published in Foreign Affairs.
  • In Roman numerals, X denotes ten.
  • In semiotics, an X over something denotes elimination, prohibition or erasure.
  • In sociology X denotes Generation X.
  • X is a symbol worn on the hand to denote that someone is straight edge. It is also frequently tattooed on other parts of the body, or worn on clothing, sometimes in triplicate (XXX). Straight-edgers frequently also append Xs to their names, i.e. write their names with Xs, such that 'Jack' would be written XjackX. Straight edge itself is comonly abbreviated to 'sxe' (S.E. with an X in the middle).
  • In superhero comic books, an X usually denotes a connection to the popular X-Men franchise, especially when used as a prefix.
  • In treasure-hunting X is used to designate the location of treasure, i.e. X marks the spot.
  • In video games, X is the name of the main character in the Mega Man spinoff, Mega Man X.
  • X is a rollercoaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain.
  • X is a Japanese manga title produced by CLAMP which has also been adapted into a 1996 feature film and a 2001 television series. It is also known by the title X/1999.

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The letter X is spoken as X-ray in the NATO phonetic alphabet. Eighth Army: Korea. No words in the Basic English vocabulary begin with X, but it occurs in words beginning with other letters. Seventh Army: United States Army Europe. The letter X is not used in the Italian language, except for words borrowed from other languages, or names of foreigners. Fifth Army (Reserve). It is also controversial whether Psi, Chi (Khi) and Xi are Greek inventions or whether they are ultimately of Semitic origin. Third Army: Army Central Command (ARCENT).

Some scholars claim that Latin X is not identical with Greek Χ. First Army "First In Deed" (Reserve). Only in Kurdish, Azeri, Uzbek, Tatar and Lojban as well as the IPA and SAMPA (the latter is used here) is X pronounced [x] (as in German Bach). Three star positions in the Army include some deputy commanders of the regional commands, heads of the army sections of those commands, and the general officers commanding of corps. But the Etruscans took over X from older Western Greek, therefore, it stood for /ks/ in Etruscan and /ks/ and /gs/ [gz] in Latin. Central Command. In the end, Chi was standardized as /k_h/ (/x/ in Modern Greek) as well as Xi for /ks/. An example is General John Abizaid, the commander of U.S.

/ks/ was in Ancient Greece written as Chi 'Χ' (Western Greek) or Xi 'Ξ' (Eastern Greek). The most senior Army generals who are directly in the chain of command are those who head up the regional joint commands, known as the Combatent Commanders (COCOM's), around the world. It is also the form of St Andrew's Cross. Schoomaker. X is the twenty-fourth letter of the Latin alphabet. The current Army Chief of Staff is General Peter J.
. His function is administrative and policy making.

It is also known by the title X/1999. As with the other members of that committee, the Army Chief of Staff is not in the direct chain of command. X is a Japanese manga title produced by CLAMP which has also been adapted into a 1996 feature film and a 2001 television series. This position is filled by a four star general who sits on the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee. X is a rollercoaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain. The professional head of the United States Army is the Army Chief of Staff. In video games, X is the name of the main character in the Mega Man spinoff, Mega Man X. The civilian executive is the Secretary of the Army who heads the United States Department of the Army, formerly called the Secretary of War who headed the United States Department of War or the War Office for short, at the founding of the Republic.
.

X marks the spot. All members of the Army must take an oath upon being sworn in as members, swearing (or affirming) to "protect the Constitution of the United States from all enemies, both foreign and domestic." This emphasis on the defense of the United States Constitution illustrates the concern of the framers that the military be subordinate to legitimate civilian authority. In treasure-hunting X is used to designate the location of treasure, i.e. Training for enlisted soldiers usually consists of Basic Training, and Advanced Individual Training in their primary Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) at any of the numerous MOS training facilities around the world. In superhero comic books, an X usually denotes a connection to the popular X-Men franchise, especially when used as a prefix. The lowest enlisted ranks are:. with an X in the middle). and UK has begun to emphasize the "strategic corporal," recognizing that combat decision-making by NCOs is potentially of vast importance.

Straight edge itself is comonly abbreviated to 'sxe' (S.E. Current military theory in the U.S. write their names with Xs, such that 'Jack' would be written XjackX. Until relatively recent history, most countries depended upon their officer corps to micromanage strategy, tactics and virtually every other aspect of military operations. Straight-edgers frequently also append Xs to their names, i.e. Training for NCOs takes place at any of the various NCO training centers around the world. It is also frequently tattooed on other parts of the body, or worn on clothing, sometimes in triplicate (XXX). The Non-Commissioned Officer Corps (or NCO Corps) is the first line of leadership for the enlisted members of the Army, and includes the ranks of.

X is a symbol worn on the hand to denote that someone is straight edge. Army Warrant Officer Candidate School at Fort Rucker, Alabama. In sociology X denotes Generation X. The primary source for Warrant Officers is the U.S. In semiotics, an X over something denotes elimination, prohibition or erasure. The warrant officer is managed as a company grade officer, but receives limited field grade privilege upon promotion to Chief Warrant Officer Four (CW4). In Roman numerals, X denotes ten. Initially appointed an officer by the Secretary of the Army via a warrant, he/she is commissioned by the President upon promotion to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer Two (CW2).

Kennan) of the X article published in Foreign Affairs. The Warrant Officer is a single track specialty officer. public policy, X is the author (George F. Professional education is required for promotion at certain grades. In U.S. Once commissioned, an officer attends several levels of professional education, starting with branch qualification in their respective branch and concluding in Command and General Staff College at Fort_Leavenworth, Kansas. politics, X is the pseudonym of the person who blew the whistle on the Watergate crisis. Commissioned officers are assigned to a branch of service until they reach the rank of Brigadier General, where it is assumed that they are competent to command soldiers of all branches.

In U.S. Upon attaining the rank of Major, they can be appointed into the Regular Army by the President with the advice and consent of the United States Senate [1] (http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/10/531.html). In Canada, X stands for Nunavut and the Northwest Territories. All newly commissioned officers receive a commission as a reserve officer. As the first letter of a postal code,

    . Officers receive a commission assigning them to the Officer Corps from the President. In pornography XXX relates, unsurprisingly, to sex. There are several sources of commissioned officers:.

    X was the initial name of the Japanese visual kei rock band X Japan. The Officer Corps provides leadership and managerial functions, and is composed of. X is the name of an Australian punk rock band (see X (Australian band)). Comparison of ranking structure available at Ranks and Insignia of NATO. X is the name of a Los Angeles punk rock band (see X (US band)). Army officer rank insignia.. In popular music,

      . See also U.S.

      In physics, the X-ray is a form of electromagnetic radiation.

      . In photography X denotes exact time in flash synchronization. Combat Service Support troops include the Judge Advocate General's Corps, Adjutant General's Corps, Finance Corps, Transportation Corps, Quartermaster Corps, Ordnance Corps, Medical Corps, Medical Service Corps, and Nurse Corps. In military science, X is the US Navy hull classification symbol for Submersible Craft. Combat Support Arms include Signal Corps, Intelligence Corps, Chemical Corps, and Military Police Corps. x means 10 in Roman numbers. Combat Arms include Infantry, Armor, Field Artillery, Air defense artillery, Army Corps of Engineers, Army Aviation, and Special Forces.

      x is the usual symbol for the variable represented on the horizontal axis (ordinate) in analytic geometry. The Army is organized by function. This usage can be traced back to the Arabic word ?ay 'thing' which was spelled with an initial x in Old Spanish or (according to other sources) an abbreviation of Latin causa which was the translation of Arabic š. Army is divided into the following components, from largest to smallest:. Even though any letter can be used, x is the most common by far. The U.S. x commonly represents an unknown variable. Army is called a Soldier (always capitalized).

      In mathematics,

        . Officially, a member of the U.S. In gender XX denotes female in the XY sex-determination system. A similar event, albeit in a foriegn country, occurred during World War II when Nazi Germany activiated the Volkssturm in April and May of 1945. In genetics X denotes the X chromosome.
          . The last time an approximation of this occurred was during the American Civil War when the Confederate States of America activated the "Home Guard" in 1865, drafting all males, regardless of age or health, into the Confederate Army. In games, X is representation for a cross in games like tic tac toe (naughts and crosses). Army.

          In financial securities, X is the stock symbol for United States Steel Corporation. The final stage of Army mobilization, known as "activiation of the unorganized militia" would effectively place all able bodied males in the service of the U.S. The X-Files was a popular 1990s American science fiction television series. The current "call-up" order of the United States Army is as follows:. X is the name of a 1928 German film; see X (film). Although the present day Army exists as an all volunteer force, augmented by Reserve and National Guard forces, measures exist for emergency expansion in the event of a catestrophic occurrence, such as a large scale attack against the US or the outbreak of a major global war. Australia retains the X rating. Federal and state lawmakers, however, have asserted that no such action is being planned.

          The UK replaced the X rating with the 18 certificate. citizens have been concerned regarding a reinstution of the draft (conscription) force. X is a rating given to films suitable for an adult-only audience; see X-rated. NC-17 has replaced the X rating in the US. With recent manpower shortages in the military, some U.S. In film

            . Reserve and Guard units took part in the Gulf War, peacekeeping in Kosovo, and the 2003 invasion of Iraq. In American slang, X is often used as an abbreviation of ecstasy (MDMA), a synthetic drug. By design, the use of the Army Reserve and National Guard has increased since the Vietnam War.

            X also serves as other abbreviations, such as Xtal (Crystal), reXn (reaction), Xlation (translation), and SXSW (South by Southwest Festival). Army and are seen as state government agencies rather than a component of the military. X is an abbreviation for cross in words like Xing (crossing), or to sign with a cross (often for illiteracy). Except in times of extreme national emergency, such as a mainland invasion of the United States, State Militias are operated independently from the U.S. (See Hugs and Kisses.). Various State Defense Forces also exist, sometimes known as State Militias, which are sponsered by individual state governments and serve as an auxiliary to the National Guard. X is a symbol for a kiss, as in love notes. In the modern age, all National Guard members hold dual status: as Guardsmen under the authority of the State Adjutant General, and as Army Reservists under the authority of the Army Human Resources Command.

            X is an abbreviation for Christ, as in Xmas (Christmas), X(t)ian (Christian), and Xianity (Christianity). Prior to the 21st century, members of the National Guard were considered state employees only unless federalized by the Army in which case National Guard members became members of the Army Reserve. In English,

              . The United States National Guard is an armed force under the command of state governments. In electrical engineering, X is the symbol for reactance. In the modern age, the Army is divided into the Regular Army and the Army Reserve. In French education, X is a nickname for the École Polytechnique. After World War II, the ORC and ERC were combined into the United States Army Reserve. The Army of the United States continued throughout the Korean War and Vietnam War and was discontinued upon the abolishment of the draft.

              x is the repetition operator in Perl programming language. The Regular Army, Army of the United States, and Officer/Enlisted Reserve Corps (ORC and ERC) existed simultaneously giving rise to the first concept of Army components. X is used as an abbreviation for the Apple operating system Mac OS X. In 1941, the "Army of the United States" was founded to fight the Second World War. The data transfer speed for 1X CDs is 153,600 bytes/second and one for 1X DVDs is 1,385,000 bytes/second (approximately 9.02 times faster). During the First World War, the "National Army" was founded to fight the conflict. In the 1920s and 1930s, the "career" soldiers were known as the "Regular Army" with the "Enlisted Reserve Corps" and "Officer Reserve Corps" augmented to fill vacancies when needed. This usage is a corruption of the multiplication symbol ×. Prior to 1918, the Army was a single entity known as the "United States Army".

              X is often used as a symbol of multiplication, as in denoting the spin (and, later, transfer) speed of CDs and DVDs compared to an original standard speed. The Army was formed on June 14, 1775, before the establishment of the United States, to meet the demands of the American Revolutionary War. X is the name of a free graphical windowing system developed at MIT and standard on Unix and Linux; see X Window System. As of fiscal year 2002 (FY02), it consisted of 480,000 soldiers on active duty and 555,000 in reserve (350,000 in the Army National Guard (ARNG) and 205,000 in the Army Reserve (USAR). In computing:

                . The Army is the branch of the United States armed forces which has primary responsibility for land-based military operations. In clothing X is used as an abbreviation for extra, such as XXL for extra-extra-large or XM for extra-medium. Military badges of the United States.

                In cabalistic philosophy X references both birth and death. Awards and decorations of the United States military. In beverages, X is a symbol for an alcoholic proof of 50; multiple Xes indicate multiples of 50. A Specialist ranks below a corporal in terms of chain of command. In astronomy, Planet X is a hypothetical planet in the Solar System beyond the orbit of Pluto. and Specialist (SPC; pay grade E-4) (which is the same Enlisted Grade as Corporal, but which requires technical leadership skills, as opposed to the combat leadership skills required of corporal -a dark green patch with an eagle centered). In art X alludes to the infinite joy of creation. Private First Class (PFC; pay grade E-3) (one stripe up and a curved stripe (a rocker below)),.

                In anime, X is the title of a series based on the manga X/1999 (see X (anime)). Private Enlisted Grade 2 (PV2; pay grade E-2) (one chevron pointing up),. It is also a prefix to experimental types of US military aircraft, for instance, the XB-70. Private (PV1; pay grade E-1) (no rank insignia),. In aeronautics, X is the designation given to an experimental aircraft of the US government, for instance, the X-1 rocketplane that first broke the sound barrier. and Sergeant Major of the Army (of whom there is only one, and who advises the Chief of Staff of the Army on matters relating to enlisted personnel - three stripes up and three down with a centered eagle accompanied with two stars). Members of the Nation of Islam change their surnames to "X" to symbolize that their African names were lost in slavery, an example is Malcolm X. Command Sergeant Major (CSM; pay grade E-9) (three stripes up and three down with a wreathed star in the center).

                In a general sense, X represents an unknown or secret, as in project X or mister X. Sergeant Major (SGM; pay grade E-9) (three stripes up and three down with a star in the center),. First Sergeant (1SG; pay grade E-8) (which holds the same enlisted pay grade as Master Sergeant, but which carries extra administrative duties - three stripes up and three down with a lozenge in the center),. Master Sergeant (MSG; pay grade E-8) (three stripes up and three down),. Sergeant First Class (SFC; pay grade E-7)(three stripes up and two down),.

                Staff Sergeant (SSG; pay grade E-6)(three stripes up and one down),. Sergeant (SGT; pay grade E-5)(three stripes up),. Corporal (CPL; pay grade E-4) (two stripes up),. Enlisted soldiers may also be battlefield commissioned for valor and leadership during actual combat, Audie Murphy received his commission in this manner.

                Lawyers, doctors, nurses, veterinarians, and chaplains may be directly commissioned into their respective corps. College graduates who underwent Army Reserve Officer Training Corps courses at a four-year university. Enlisted soldiers or College graduates who successfully pass Officer Candidate School (OCS). Graduates of other military academies of the United States may elect to be commissioned in the Army.

                The United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. Pershing. Held only by George Washington and John J. General of the Armies - No established insignia.

                After World War II a rank comprised of five stars in a pentagon. General of the Army - In the 19th century, a title held by the Commander of the Army. General (GEN; pay grade O-10) - four stars. Lieutenant General (LTG; pay grade O-9) - three stars,.

                Major General (MG; pay grade O-8) - two stars,. Brigadier General (BG; pay grade O-7) - one star,. and General officers

                  . Colonel (COL; pay grade O-6) - silver eagle,.

                  Lieutenant Colonel (LTC; pay grade O-5) - silver oak leaf,. Major (MAJ; pay grade O-4) - gold oak leaf,. Field Grade officers

                    . Captain (CPT; pay grade O-3) - two silver bars,.

                    First Lieutenant (1LT; pay grade O-2) - silver bar,. Second Lieutenant (2LT; pay grade O-1) - gold bar,. Company Grade officers

                      . Fire team leaders are often Corporal/E-4 (CPL).

                      Fire team: Usually consists of four Soldiers: a fire team leader, a grenadier, and two riflemen. This unit consists of eight to ten Soldiers. Squad: Squad leaders are often Staff Sergeants/E-6 (SSG), Sergeants/E-5 (SGT), or Corporals/E-4 (CPL). Often used in conjunction with platoons at the company level.

                      Section: Usually directed by Staff Sergeants/E-6 (SSG) who supply guidance for junior NCO Squad leaders. This unit consists of a Platoon Leader (2LT/1LT), a Platoon Sergeant (SFC), and two or more Squad Leaders (any NCO). Platoon: Usually led by a lieutenant supported by a Sergeant First Class/E-7 (SFC). This unit consists of a Company Commander (CO, CPT), a Company Executive Officer (XO,1LT), A First Sergeant(1SG) and a headquarters, Two or more Platoon Leaders (2LT/1LT), two or more Platoon Sergeants (SFC), and four or more Squad Leaders (any NCO).

                      A company-sized unit is usually led by a Company Commander usually the rank of Captain/O-3 (CPT) supported by a First Sergeant/E-8 (1SG). Cavalry units are formed into troops. Company (or battery/troop): Artillery units are formed into batteries. This unit consists of a Battalion Commander (CO, LTC), a Battalion Executive Officer (XO,MAJ), a Command Sergeant Major (CSM) and headquarters, 3-5 Company Commanders (CPT), 3-5 Company Executive Officers (1LT), 3-5 First Sergeants (1SG) and headquarters, 6 or more Platoon Leaders (2LT/1LT), 6 or more Platoon sergeants (SFC),and 12 or more Squad Leaders (any NCO).

                      A battalion-sized unit is commanded by a Lieutenant Colonel (LTC), supported by a Command Sergeant Major/E-9 (CSM). Cavalry units are formed into squadrons. Battalion (or squadron): Most units are organized into battalions. (See Regiment for combat arms units.).

                      Brigade (or group): Composed of typically three or more battalions, and commanded by a Colonel (COL) or Brigadier General. Division: Usually commanded by a Major General (MG). The commander is most often a Lieutenant General (LTG). Corps: Consists of two or more divisions and organic support brigades.

                      Field Army: Usually commanded by a General (GEN; note that abbreviations of military rank are given in all capital letters without a period or other punctuation). militia. Full scale mobilization of the unorganized U.S. Activation of the State Defense Forces/State Militias.

                      Recall of previously discharged officers and enlisted who were separated under honorable conditions. Reestablishment of the draft and creation of a conscript force within the Regular Army. Recall of all retired personnel fit for military duty. Full scale activiation of all National Guard forces.

                      Army Reserve total mobilization. Regular Army volunteer force.