cross-section
cross-section — noun
1. an image or view of the inside of something after it has been cut through, showi
an image or view of the inside of something after it has been cut through, showing the different layers or parts that make it up.
The biology textbook showed a cross-section of a human heart with each chamber clearly labelled.
cross-section + of + body part or object
Mei-Lin studied the cross-section of a tree trunk under the microscope to count the growth rings.
The engineer examined the cross-section of the bridge's main support beam for hidden cracks.
A cross-section of the soil revealed distinct layers of clay, sand, and bedrock beneath the topsoil.
文法句型
cross-section + of + noun
用法筆記
Often followed by 'of' to specify which object is being shown from the inside. Common in biology, geology, engineering, and architecture textbooks.
常見錯誤
2. a deliberately varied subset of a larger whole, chosen so that each important ty
a deliberately varied subset of a larger whole, chosen so that each important type within that whole is included.
The researchers interviewed a cross-section of the town's residents, from students to retired workers.
a cross-section of + diverse group of people
Omar's online course included a cross-section of students from more than twenty different countries.
To understand public opinion, the survey drew a cross-section of voters from every age and income level.
The exhibition offered a cross-section of modern art, from traditional oil paintings to digital installations.
文法句型
a cross-section of + group noun
用法筆記
Used in research, surveys, and general descriptions to emphasise that the group is deliberately varied. Unlike a random 'sample', a cross-section is understood to contain all the important sub-types in their natural proportions.
常見錯誤
3. a surface or shape produced by cutting through a solid object at a right angle t
a surface or shape produced by cutting through a solid object at a right angle to its longest axis, used in geometry and engineering to analyse the object's internal structure.
In geometry class, the students calculated the area of a cross-section through the centre of a cylinder.
cross-section + through + geometric shape
The architect drew a cross-section of the building to show how each floor connected to the elevator shaft.
A cross-section taken perpendicular to the pipe revealed a perfectly circular opening.
Fatima rotated the 3D model to examine the cross-section at the midpoint of the steel girder.
文法句型
cross-section + of + noun
cross-section + through + noun
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1: sense 3 focuses on the geometric plane or surface resulting from a perpendicular cut, whereas sense 1 focuses on the visible internal structure shown in an illustration or specimen. Sense 3 is primarily used in mathematics, architecture, and mechanical engineering.
常見錯誤
4. a broad description or analysis that brings together the main features and relat
a broad description or analysis that brings together the main features and relationships of a complex subject, showing how the parts connect to form the whole.
The documentary offered a cross-section of life in the Amazon, showing links between plants, animals, and local communities.
offer / present a cross-section of + complex subject
Her annual report gave a cross-section of the company's operations across all its regional offices.
The novel presents a cross-section of Japanese society during the economic boom of the 1980s.
A cross-section of the local economy showed family farms, tech startups, and fishing cooperatives operating side by side.
文法句型
a cross-section of + complex subject
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 2: sense 2 focuses on a representative group of people or items that stand for a larger population; sense 4 focuses on a composite description that reveals the internal relationships of a system. Sense 4 is common in analytical writing about society, organisations, and ecosystems.