cross-sectional

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.

Thesaurus

Adj.	1.	cross-sectional - of or relating to a cross section; "a cross-sectional slice"
	2.	cross-sectional - representing a plane made by cutting across something at right angles to its length; "cross-section views of the neck" cross-section crosswise - lying or extending across the length of a thing or in a cross direction; "a crosswise street"; "the crosswise dimension"