cross section

cross section also cross-sec·tion (krôsskshn, krs-)

n.

1.

a. A section formed by a plane cutting through an object, usually at right angles to an axis.

b. A piece so cut or a graphic representation of such a piece.

2. Physics A measure of the probability that an encounter between particles will result in the occurrence of a particular atomic or nuclear reaction. Also called collision cross section.

3. Statistics A sample meant to be representative of a whole population.

4. Informal A variety; a diversity.

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cross-section·al (krôssksh-nl, krs-) adj.

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cross section

Noun

1. Maths a surface formed by cutting across a solid, usually at right angles to its longest axis

2. a random sample regarded as representative: a cross section of society

cross-sectional adj

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cross section

In particle physics, an expression of the probability of the occurrence of an event, typically the scattering of subatomic particles, over a given area.

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	cross section - a section created by a plane cutting a solid perpendicular to its longest axis profile - a vertical section of the Earth's crust showing the different horizons or layers plane section, section - (geometry) the area created by a plane cutting through a solid
	2.	cross section - a sample meant to be representative of a whole population sample - a small part of something intended as representative of the whole statistics - a branch of applied mathematics concerned with the collection and interpretation of quantitative data and the use of probability theory to estimate population parameters
	3.	cross section - (physics) the probability that a particular interaction (as capture or ionization) will take place between particles; measured in barns probability, chance - a measure of how likely it is that some event will occur; a number expressing the ratio of favorable cases to the whole number of cases possible; "the probability that an unbiased coin will fall with the head up is 0.5" atomic physics, nuclear physics, nucleonics - the branch of physics that studies the internal structure of atomic nuclei

Translations

cross section n → corte m transversal [of population] → muestra (representativa)

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cross section n (Biol) → coupe transversale;

(in population) → échantillon m

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cross section cross n → Querschnitt m

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cross section n (BIOL) → sezione f trasversale;

(in population) → settore m rappresentativo