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

: section sense 3b

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

ˈkrȯs-ˈsek-shnəl 

-shə-nᵊl

adjective

Synonyms

• sample
• sampler
• sampling
• selection
• slice

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

Civilian air traffic control infrastructure is designed for crewed aircraft that have larger radar cross sections and operate at higher altitudes than drones. —Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 2025

At tax consulting firm Ryan, No. 13 on the large company list, senior leaders hold regular listening sessions with a cross section of 12 to 15 employees to get feedback and then take action on common themes uncovered. 2. —Geoff Colvin, Fortune, 3 Dec. 2024

The Japanese Whisky Advent Calendar for $324 Bourbon & American Whiskey Advent Calendar (2024 Edition) Another great Drinks By The Dram offering, presenting us with an incredible cross section of 25 American whiskies. —Mark Littler, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024

Head Start tends to be popular with a wide cross section of voters. —Louis Jacobson and Mia Penner, Austin American-Statesman, 26 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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

ˌkrȯ(s)-ˈsek-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl 

adjective