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

The railroad junction, the reason for the locality’s existence, became a notorious focal point of Lake County in 1924. —Chloe Hilles, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2024

First, a current just above the critical value is passed through the junction. —Anna Herr, IEEE Spectrum, 15 May 2024

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