intersection
IHN-tuhr-sehk-shuhn
Intersection (noun) means a place where two or more roads or paths meet or cross. Example: “The accident happened at a busy intersection downtown.”
noun
1
A place where two or more roads or paths meet or cross.
"The accident happened at a busy intersection downtown."
"Turn left at the next intersection and the library is on your right."
"A new set of traffic lights was installed at the intersection."
2
A point or area where two things overlap or have something in common.
"His work sits at the intersection of art and technology."
"The course sits at the intersection of history and creative writing."
"Her research lies at the intersection of music, memory and health."
3
Mathematics: the point, line, or set of elements shared by two objects or sets.
"The intersection of the two lines forms a single point."
"The intersection of sets A and B contains only the numbers they share."
"Find the intersection of the line and the circle on the graph."
How to use intersection
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA crossing point, whether of roads, ideas, or mathematical sets.
UK vs US
In British English, "junction" or "crossroads" is more common for road intersections than "intersection."
Common pairings
busy intersection
traffic at the intersection
intersection of two sets
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Word forms
- Plural
- intersections
Fill the gap
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The accident happened at a busy _____ downtown.
Etymology
From Latin intersectio, from intersecare, "to cut between."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for intersection
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for intersection →
Frequently asked questions
What does “intersection” mean?
The word “intersection” means a place where two or more roads or paths meet or cross. In plain terms, a crossing point, whether of roads, ideas, or mathematical sets.
How do you pronounce “intersection”?
“Intersection” is pronounced IHN-tuhr-sehk-shuhn (/ˈɪntəɹˌsɛkʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “intersection” in a sentence?
Here is “intersection” used in a sentence: “The accident happened at a busy intersection downtown.”
What part of speech is “intersection”?
“Intersection” is a noun.
Where does the word “intersection” come from?
The word “intersection” comes from Latin. From Latin intersectio, from intersecare, "to cut between.".
Is “intersection” a common word?
“Intersection” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “intersection” have?
“Intersection” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a place where two or more roads or paths meet or cross.
What is the difference between an intersection and a junction?
An intersection is a place where two or more roads or paths meet or cross, a term especially common in American English. A junction is a point where roads, railway lines, or routes join, and it is the more usual word for a road crossing in British English. The terms overlap, though "junction" can also describe where routes merge rather than cross.
What is the difference between intersection and union in mathematics?
In mathematics, the intersection of two sets is the collection of elements they share in common, while the union is the collection of all elements in either set. Intersection keeps only what overlaps, whereas union combines everything from both.
What is the difference between an intersection and a crossroads?
A crossroads specifically describes a point where two roads cross, typically forming four directions. Intersection is the broader term for any place where two or more roads or paths meet or cross, including T-shapes and multi-road junctions.
Can "intersection" be used outside of roads and mathematics?
Yes. Besides a road crossing and its mathematical meaning, intersection can describe any point or area where two things overlap or have something in common, as in "the intersection of art and science." This figurative use highlights shared ground between different fields or ideas.
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