junction

noun

junc·​tion ˈjəŋ(k)-shən 

1

: an act of joining : the state of being joined

2

a

: a place or point of meeting

b

: an intersection of roads especially where one terminates

c

: a point (as in a thermocouple) at which dissimilar metals make contact

d

: an interface in a semiconductor device between regions with different electrical characteristics

3

: something that joins

junctional

ˈjəŋ(k)-sh(ə-)nəl

 

adjective

Synonyms

• connection
• coupling
• join
• joining
• joint
• jointure
• juncture

Examples of junction in a Sentence

a junction of nerves and muscle

the junction of Route 12 and Route 87

Recent Examples on the Web

However, the brain regions involved in social bonding—like the temporoparietal junction and cingulate cortex—are still active, which speaks to the importance of friendships in terms of social well-being. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 11 Sep. 2024

There was plenty of grunt to make emerging from junctions or joining highways safe, too. —James Morris, Forbes, 13 Oct. 2024

Just 20 miles away is the junction of China, Nepal and India. —New York Times, 11 Oct. 2024

Crossing a saddle into Sterling Canyon, the trail ends at the junction with Vultee Arch Trail. —Roger Naylor, The Arizona Republic, 18 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin junction-, junctio, from jungere to join — more at yoke

First Known Use

1711, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing junction

• box junction
• gap junction
• Josephson junction

Kids Definition

junction

noun

junc·​tion ˈjəŋ(k)-shən 

1

: an act of joining : the state of being joined

2

: a place or point of meeting

a railroad junction

Medical Definition

junction

noun

junc·​tion ˈjəŋ(k)-shən 

: a place or point of meeting

the structure of the synaptic junction as revealed by electron microscopy

see neuromuscular junction

junctional

-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl 

adjective