cross section
noun
1
a
: a cutting or piece of something cut off at right angles to an axis
also
: a representation of such a cutting
b
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-section
transitive verb
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.
Recent Examples on the Web
However, the scenario has prompted a cross section of the typically fractious party to unite behind the belief the field must shrink, whether by candidates’ choice or through pressure.
—
Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2026
In other words, the cross section may have been too skinny for a heavy medal.
—Eric Sullivan, Scientific American, 21 Feb. 2026
As our automotive editor Viju Mathew and longtime contributor Robert Ross note, the 2026 class brought together a sweeping cross section of categories and power trains—the kind of variety that has become a defining feature of Car of the Year.
—John Vorwald, Robb Report, 15 Feb. 2026
Pretti’s killing, in particular, struck a chord of dismay with a cross section of Americans.
—Tressie McMillan Cottom, Mercury News, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cross section
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Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2026
In other words, the cross section may have been too skinny for a heavy medal.
—Eric Sullivan, Scientific American, 21 Feb. 2026
As our automotive editor Viju Mathew and longtime contributor Robert Ross note, the 2026 class brought together a sweeping cross section of categories and power trains—the kind of variety that has become a defining feature of Car of the Year.
—John Vorwald, Robb Report, 15 Feb. 2026
Pretti’s killing, in particular, struck a chord of dismay with a cross section of Americans.
—Tressie McMillan Cottom, Mercury News, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cross section
Cite this Entry
“Cross section.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cross%20section. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
cross section
noun
: a cutting or piece of something cut off at right angles to an axis
also
: a representation of such a cutting
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