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

You’re going this way because you want to intersect with the moon’s path, but the moon is going that way.

Read more on Literature

It makes sense that Tarrant County, which political experts describe as a bellwether in national politics, may be a driver in national conversations around how religion and politics intersect, said McDaniel, the UT professor.

Read more on Salon

I know how they intersected in real life, but when do I show that?

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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

Read more on Salon

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

Related Words

• converge 
• cross