MEANING
1. A cut through an object, or a representation showing the internal structure exposed by that cut.
2. A selection that includes different types of people or things from a larger group.
Use it for
describing a view of internal structure; explaining what a diagram reveals beneath a surface; distinguishing a sectional view from an external viewSeparates a view through a structure from a selection spanning a wider group. Academic functions: Research / Methodology.
Words that belong together
- a cross-section of a structure
- in cross-section
- a cross-sectional diagram
On the page
The illustration shows the wall in cross-section rather than from the outside.
A cross-section makes the arrangement of internal layers visible.
The interviews sought a broad cross-section of occupations rather than a single professional group.
Calling the participants a cross-section does not demonstrate that their selection was statistically representative.
Nearby words
Word forms
- Base
- cross-section
Usage notes
Countable or uncountable for a cut view; countable for a selected group. Plural cross-sections. Cross section is a spacing variant. Register: neutral. Commonness: moderately common (qualitative editorial estimate, informed by dictionaries/corpus).
Practice this word in a sentenceYour margin notes
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