intersect

verb

in·​ter·​sect ˌin-tər-ˈsekt 

intersected; intersecting; intersects

transitive verb

: to pierce or divide by passing through or across : cross

a comet intersecting earth's orbit

one line intersects another

intransitive verb

1

: to meet and cross at a point

lines intersecting at right angles

2

: to share a common area : overlap

where morality and self-interest intersect

Synonyms

• bisect
• cross
• cut

Examples of intersect in a Sentence

A dry stream bed intersects the trail in several places.

Line A intersects with line B.

The two roads intersect at the edge of town.

Recent Examples on the Web

The truth of a family is in how the complexities of everybody can intersect at these friction points. —David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Feb. 2025

Notwithstanding its many airspace restrictions, Washington, D.C., and its environs have plenty of sky that does not intersect with the approach to DCA. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2025

Last week, their lives tragically intersected as Shirley prepared for a long day of construction work — and Ragsdale slept in one of the few safe areas for homeless men and women in a rapidly expanding and hostile Miami. —Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 24 Jan. 2025

Unlike circles, two ellipses can intersect at points. —Jack Murtagh, Scientific American, 14 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin intersectus, past participle of intersecare, from inter- + secare to cut — more at saw

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Kids Definition

intersect

verb

in·​ter·​sect ˌint-ər-ˈsekt 

1

: to divide by passing through or across : cross

one line intersecting another

2

: to meet and cross at one or more points

overlapping circles intersect at two points