intersect

[in-ter-sekt]

verb (used with object)

1. to cut or divide by passing through or across.

   The highway intersects the town.

verb (used without object)

1. to cross, as lines or wires.

2. Geometry.,  to have one or more points in common.

   intersecting lines.

intersect

/ ˌɪntəˈsɛkt /

verb

1. to divide, cut, or mark off by passing through or across

2. (esp of roads) to cross (each other)

3. maths (often foll by with) to have one or more points in common (with another configuration)

Other Word Forms

• nonintersecting adjective
• self-intersecting adjective
• unintersected adjective
• unintersecting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of intersect¹

1605–15; < Latin intersectus, past participle of intersecāre “to cut through, sever”; inter- ( def. ), -sect ( def. )

Word History and Origins

Origin of intersect¹

C17: from Latin intersecāre to divide, from _inter- + secāre to cut

Example Sentences

His writing shows the strengths and also the self-deceiving limitations of his class when he writes about subjects that intersect with politics.

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Commenting on class and the status quo, these 3-D printed gowns intersect the wearer at aggressive angles, revealing the beige infrastructure underneath as if it’s the usually invisible help.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

It should come as no surprise that our Abundance issue intersects with the intuitive and passionate sign of Scorpio.

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The Orionid shower is made up of particles from Halley’s Comet burning in the atmosphere as Earth’s orbit intersects the comet’s path, according to NASA.

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Doctorow novel, which depicts the intersecting lives of archetypal fictional characters from vastly different backgrounds, as well as historical figures.

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Related Words

• converge 
• cross