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

If the asteroid is intersected far enough from Earth, even a tiny initial push would, over time, incrementally change its trajectory, significantly reducing the risk of a collision with Earth. —David Bressan, Forbes, 25 Sep. 2024

The 4-foot post should intersect about eight inches below the top of the 6-foot post. —Tessa Cooper, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Sep. 2024

This event intersects the 2030 Agenda with public discourse through interviews and discussions with entities and organisations working toward the same goals for a more just and sustainable future. —Caterina De Biasio, Vogue, 20 Sep. 2024

By the symmetry in our construction, this vertical line will intersect the original line segment exactly at its midpoint. —Jack Murtagh, Scientific American, 12 Sep. 2024

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