Lattice glossary: cross-math terms explained
Every term you will meet in Lattice, defined in a line. Keep it open as a quick reference while you learn cross-math.
- Cross-math
- A number-logic puzzle where cells are joined by arithmetic operators and equals signs; you place numbers so that every equation is true at the same time.
- Board
- The full puzzle layout — all the cells, operators, and equals signs you are solving at once.
- Cell
- A single slot on the board that holds one number.
- Tile
- A number you place into a cell. In most worlds tiles come from a tray; in The Forge you mint the ones you need.
- Tray
- The set of number tiles available to place. What remains in the tray is itself a clue to what must go where.
- Operator
- An arithmetic sign joining cells — plus, minus, times, or divide.
- Equation (chain)
- A short sequence of cells, operators, and an equals sign that must read true, for example 7 + 5 = 12.
- Equals
- The sign asserting that two sides have the same value — the truth a chain has to satisfy.
- Forced move
- A placement with only one possible value, deducible from the cells around it. Lattice guarantees at least one is always available.
- Cascade
- The chain reaction after a placement: filling one cell often makes a neighbouring equation solvable, which makes the next one solvable, and so on.
- Deduction depth
- How many linked steps of reasoning a solve requires. Lattice grades difficulty by this, not by how large the board is.
- Unique solution
- Every Lattice board is machine-proven to have exactly one correct filling, which is why you never have to guess.
- Grade
- A puzzle's difficulty — Easy, Medium, Hard, Expert, or Master — set by the engine from its deduction depth.
- Hint
- An optional nudge toward the next forced move. It points you at a deduction; it never hands you a guess.
- Daily Lattice
- One free, proven puzzle released each day, with its own shareable page and a streak for consecutive solves.
- Streak
- The count of consecutive days on which you have solved the Daily Lattice.
- World
- One of twelve themed puzzle families, each reshaping cross-math — from the classic grid to rings, dials, and 3D solids.
- Spoke and ring
- In Orbits and Dials, the paths an equation follows — inward along a spoke and around a ring — in place of rows and columns.
- Face
- In the 3D worlds, the Cube and the Pyramid, one flat side of the solid; equations can continue across the edges where faces meet.