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
An enormous cross section of artists — from pop hitmakers like Lil Nas X and Shaboozey to should-be country stars Mickey Guyton and Brittney Spencer to contemporary roots and indie stalwarts like Adia Victoria, Buffalo Nichols, and Allison Russell— can all partly thank Giddens for their career.
—
Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 23 Mar. 2025
The program serves a diverse cross section of the country.
—Renuka Rayasam, CBS News, 19 Feb. 2025
Rosenberg says a vast cross section of Americans benefit from the science that the agency provides - from weather forecasts to charts that recreational boaters use.
—Julia Simon, NPR, 5 Feb. 2025
Reducing the cross section of the trailer is the most effective way to reduce the drag and increase the range.
—Brad Templeton, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cross section
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Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 23 Mar. 2025
The program serves a diverse cross section of the country.
—Renuka Rayasam, CBS News, 19 Feb. 2025
Rosenberg says a vast cross section of Americans benefit from the science that the agency provides - from weather forecasts to charts that recreational boaters use.
—Julia Simon, NPR, 5 Feb. 2025
Reducing the cross section of the trailer is the most effective way to reduce the drag and increase the range.
—Brad Templeton, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cross section
Cite this Entry
“Cross section.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cross%20section. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.
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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