verb
Uncommon
intersect
ihn-tuh-SEHKT
Intersect (verb) means to cross or meet at a point, cutting across each other. Example: “The two roads intersect just outside town.”
verb
1
To cross or meet at a point, cutting across each other.
"The two roads intersect just outside town."
"Her research intersects psychology and economics."
2
Mathematics: for two sets, to share at least one common element.
"The two circles intersect at two distinct points."
How to use intersect
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo cross paths with something, or to have something in common with it.
Common pairings
roads intersect
lines intersect
where X and Y intersect
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- intersects
- Past tense
- intersected
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The two roads _____ just outside town.
Etymology
From Latin intersecare, "to cut between," from inter- ("between") plus secare ("to cut").
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “intersect” mean?
The word “intersect” means to cross or meet at a point, cutting across each other. In plain terms, to cross paths with something, or to have something in common with it.
How do you pronounce “intersect”?
“Intersect” is pronounced ihn-tuh-SEHKT (/ɪntɚˈsɛkt/ in IPA).
How do you use “intersect” in a sentence?
Here is “intersect” used in a sentence: “The two roads intersect just outside town.”
What part of speech is “intersect”?
“Intersect” is a verb.
Where does the word “intersect” come from?
The word “intersect” comes from Latin. From Latin intersecare, "to cut between," from inter- ("between") plus secare ("to cut").
Is “intersect” a common word?
“Intersect” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “intersect” have?
“Intersect” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to cross or meet at a point, cutting across each other.
