intersect
Americanverb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
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to cross, as lines or wires.
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Geometry. to have one or more points in common.
intersecting lines.
verb
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to divide, cut, or mark off by passing through or across
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(esp of roads) to cross (each other)
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maths (often foll by with) to have one or more points in common (with another configuration)
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
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nonintersectingadjective
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self-intersectingadjective
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unintersectedadjective
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unintersectingadjective
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
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intersectsimple
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intersectssimple
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have intersectedperfect
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has intersectedperfect
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am intersectingprogressive
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are intersectingprogressive
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is intersectingprogressive
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have been intersectingperfect progressive
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has been intersectingperfect progressive
Past
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intersectedsimple
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had intersectedperfect
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was intersectingprogressive
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were intersectingprogressive
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had been intersectingperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of intersect
1605–15; < Latin intersectus, past participle of intersecāre “to cut through, sever”; see inter- ( def. ), -sect ( def. )
Explanation
When two things intersect, they run into each other, or lie across each other. Your street might intersect with a main avenue, and your life will hopefully intersect with the lives of other interesting people. In geometry, when a line intersects another line, they meet at exactly one point, and when a circle intersects a line, there are two points where they touch each other. When two streets intersect, you get an intersection, where you'll often find a stop sign or traffic signal. The Latin root of intersect is intersectus, "intersect or cut asunder," which combines inter-, "between," and secare, "to cut."
Vocabulary lists containing intersect
This Week in Words: April 1 - 6, 2018
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Algebra
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Geometry - Introductory
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
When the Sun, Earth and Moon align near one of the points where their orbital paths intersect, eclipse seasons occur, producing both solar and lunar eclipses within a matter of weeks.
From BBC • Jun. 6, 2026
In his column, Adam reports on food trends as they intersect with business and culture, from the secret economy behind ramp season to the blood feud between Diet Coke and Coke Zero drinkers.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026
At the points where these filaments intersect, galaxies form and shine brightly.
From Science Daily • May 16, 2026
It has elements of a classic tragedy, where characters’ lives are destined to intersect badly.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026
You’re going this way because you want to intersect with the moon’s path, but the moon is going that way.
From "Reaching for the Moon" by Katherine Johnson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
