Definition of cross section
1a : a cutting or piece of something cut off at right angles to an axis; also : a representation of such a cuttingb : section 3b
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–sectionalplay \ˈkrȯs-ˈsek-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
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.
First Known Use of cross section
CROSS SECTION Defined for English Language Learners
Definition of cross section for English Language Learners
: a view or drawing that shows what the inside of something looks like after a cut has been made across it
: a small group that includes examples of the different types of people or things in a larger group
CROSS SECTION Defined for Kids
Definition of cross section for Students
1 : a cutting made across something (as a log or an apple)
2 : a view showing what the inside of something looks like after a cut has been made through it
3 : a small group that includes examples of the different types of people or things in a larger group a cross section of voters
Medical Definition of cross section
: a cutting or piece of something cut off at right angles to an axis; also : a representation of such a cutting
cross–sectional\ˌkrȯ(s)-ˈsek-shnəl, -shən-əl\play adjective
Seen and Heard
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