cross section

noun

1
a
: a cutting or piece of something cut off at right angles to an axis
also : a representation of such a cutting
2
: a measure of the probability of an encounter between particles such as will result in a specified effect (such as scattering or capture)
3
: a composite representation typifying the constituents of a thing in their relations
cross-section transitive verb
cross-sectional adjective

Examples of cross section in a Sentence

a detailed cross section of the human brain The drawing showed the human brain in cross section. The class surveyed a cross section of the student body. The people in our neighborhood are a representative cross section of American society.
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
There are intergenerational rifts, former friends with unfinished business, a cross section of characters who feel misunderstood or overlooked by the people around them. Judy Berman, TIME, 18 Oct. 2024 But the models weren’t exactly a cross section of America, either. Danielle Pergament, Allure, 16 Oct. 2024 Trump hewed closely to his rally talking points and the familiar attacks that have proven popular with his Republican base but his advisers worry don’t appeal to a broader cross section of voters. Josh Boak, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2024 This cross section of modern France encompasses the issues expected in social-justice films, but Herry isn’t an SJW advocate. Armond White, National Review, 2 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cross section 

Word History

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of cross section was in 1835

Dictionary Entries Near cross section

Cite this Entry

“Cross section.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cross%20section. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

cross section

noun
1
a
: a cutting made across something (as a log or an apple)
b
: a representation of a cross section
a cross section of a blood vessel
2
: a number of persons or things selected from a group to stand for the whole
cross-sectional
ˈkrȯs-ˈsek-sh(ə-)nəl
adjective

Medical Definition

cross section

noun
: a cutting or piece of something cut off at right angles to an axis
also : a representation of such a cutting
cross-sectional adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on cross section

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