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

Around the back are three wires (live, neutral, ground) for hardwiring the device to a round junction box. —PCMAG, 21 Jan. 2025

Russian forces are trying to close in on Pokrovsk, a key road junction and rail distribution center furnishing supplies to a broad span of the Ukrainian front line. —Illia Novikov, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2025

Caltrans said to avoid California 138 between the San Bernardino County line to the junction with California 18. —Rong-Gong Lin Ii, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2025

Some could produce molecules, known as polyamines, that can open and close junctions, which are like little doors in the barrier that allow molecules to pass through. —Yasemin Saplakoglu, WIRED, 5 Jan. 2025

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