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
This cross section of modern France encompasses the issues expected in social-justice films, but Herry isn’t an SJW advocate.
—
Armond White, National Review, 2 Aug. 2024
The bergs, shaped like the long, narrow geometric blocks that descend in the game Tetris, rolled off the edge of the ice shelf and into the ocean to reveal their cross sections of blue glacial ice.
—Douglas Fox, Scientific American, 1 July 2012
To travel from the center of Paris to Asnières-sur-Seine, about six miles northwest, is to witness a cross section of the city's evolution: Neoclassical monuments give way to the industrial suburb of Clichy, where corporate giants are headquartered and sustainable urbanism is taking hold.
—Alice Cavanagh, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 July 2024
This cross section of the Russian elite is not full of brave liberals willing to risk their neck for their country.
—Max Bergmann, Foreign Affairs, 18 July 2023
See all Example Sentences for cross section 
Armond White, National Review, 2 Aug. 2024
The bergs, shaped like the long, narrow geometric blocks that descend in the game Tetris, rolled off the edge of the ice shelf and into the ocean to reveal their cross sections of blue glacial ice.
—Douglas Fox, Scientific American, 1 July 2012
To travel from the center of Paris to Asnières-sur-Seine, about six miles northwest, is to witness a cross section of the city's evolution: Neoclassical monuments give way to the industrial suburb of Clichy, where corporate giants are headquartered and sustainable urbanism is taking hold.
—Alice Cavanagh, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 July 2024
This cross section of the Russian elite is not full of brave liberals willing to risk their neck for their country.
—Max Bergmann, Foreign Affairs, 18 July 2023
See all Example Sentences for cross section
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cross section.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 Aug. 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
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