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
b
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
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
At the cross section of sports and entertainment, with help from pop star Taylor Swift, the Kelces have become the reigning royal family in media from brothers Jason and Travis Kelce to family matriarch Donna Kelce.
—
Jay Stahl, USA TODAY, 27 Nov. 2024
Or grab a seat in the Canteen’s backyard, where the beach party atmosphere draws a lively cross section of Provincetown — townie and tourist, young and old, gay and straight alike.
—Brett Sokol, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2024
In 2022, though the West imposed sanctions against a much broader cross section of the Russian establishment, a similar dynamic played out.
—Alexander Baunov, Foreign Affairs, 3 May 2023
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
See all Example Sentences for cross section 
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Jay Stahl, USA TODAY, 27 Nov. 2024
Or grab a seat in the Canteen’s backyard, where the beach party atmosphere draws a lively cross section of Provincetown — townie and tourist, young and old, gay and straight alike.
—Brett Sokol, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2024
In 2022, though the West imposed sanctions against a much broader cross section of the Russian establishment, a similar dynamic played out.
—Alexander Baunov, Foreign Affairs, 3 May 2023
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
See all Example Sentences for cross section
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 2 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical 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
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