Usage of two hyphens in a word

[Engrd]

Hello

Can I use two hyphens in a word?

E.g., non-cross-reference.

The word specified in the example,does not make a complete sense, I just wanted to know from the "English usage" perspective, can we use two hyphens in a word?

Thanks in advance,

 

[JohnParis]

"Mother-in-law" springs to mind, and I'm certain there are others. So, yes you can have two hyphens in one word.
By the way, my dictionary says that the NOUN cross reference(ed) is not hyphenated.
Definition for cross reference - Oxford Dictionaries Online (World English)

 

[Barb_D]

There are many examples.

A three-year-old child.
A less-than-successful experiment.

However, in your writing, if you have options to avoid these multiple hyphens, saying, for example, an experiment that was less than successful instead of a less-than-successful experiment, you may want to consider doing so.

 

[BobSmith]

A three-year-old child.
A less-than-successful experiment.

Your parenting leaves much to be desired! :lol:

 

[Barb_D]

LOL - Those were not intended to refer to the SAME example!

:-D

 

[Engrd]

Thank you, all.