cross-date

\\ˈ ̷ ̷| ̷ ̷\ verb

Etymology: cross (V)

intransitive verb

: to show by close similarity of spacing, cell structure, and related criteria that certain of the annual rings of two or more different trees or pieces of wood were produced in the same year

transitive verb

: to establish (trees or pieces of wood) as cross-dating with each other — compare dendrochronology

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cross-date «KRS _DAYT, KROS-», verb, -dat|ed, -dat|ing.

–v.t.

to establish the date or age of (trees, archaeological artifacts, or other specimens) by comparing systematically their characteristics with those of others whose age has been previously determined.

–v.i.

to make such a comparison so as to establish a date or age: »

With trees of known felling date the outer ring, and hence the rest, can be dated, and so by cross-dating can the outer rings of older trees or stumps which overlap the inner rings of the dated ones (New Scientist).