transect

[tran-sekt]

verb (used with object)

1. to cut across; dissect transversely.

transect

verb

1. (tr) to cut or divide crossways

noun

1. a sample strip of land used to monitor plant distribution, animal populations, etc, within a given area

Other Word Forms

• transection noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of transect¹

1625–35; tran(s)- + Latin sectus, past participle of secāre to cut, sever ( section )

Word History and Origins

Origin of transect¹

C17: from Latin _trans- + secāre to cut

Example Sentences

"It was the first time that people have done these measurements across these different transects of the lavas," said Harris.

From Science Daily

Researchers conducted surveys along 16 transects across the full extent of the coral rubble zone in the study area and identified 21 unique coral groups.

From Science Daily

With enough volunteers, teams hit the trail to survey all study transects every week from summer through fall.

From Seattle Times

To collect the litter, research divers swam transects along the lakebed near Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park and Zephyr Cove, covering 9.3 kilometers.

From Science Daily

Along the transect lies some of the world’s richest biodiversity.

From Science Magazine

Related Words

• crosscut 
• cut across