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
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
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
See all Example Sentences for cross section 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
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
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
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 22 Nov. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share