intersect

in·ter·sect

verb \ˌin-tər-ˈsekt\

Definition of INTERSECT

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>

Examples of INTERSECT

1. A dry stream bed intersects the trail in several places.
2. Line A intersects with line B.
3. The two roads intersect at the edge of town.

Origin of INTERSECT

Latin intersectus, past participle of intersecare, from inter- + secare to cut — more at saw

First Known Use: 1615

Related to INTERSECT

Synonyms: bisect, cross, cut

Related Words: crisscross, decussate

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Rhymes with INTERSECT

acrolect, architect, birth defect, circumspect, deselect, dialect, disaffect, disconnect, disinfect, disrespect, edge effect, genuflect, grapholect, incorrect, indirect, in effect, intellect, interject, introject, introspect, lake effect, misdirect, preselect, re-collect, recollect, redirect, reelect, resurrect, retrospect, self-respect, side effect, turtlenecked, vivisect