Intersection
/ˌɪntərˈsɛkʃən/
Definitions
3 meaningsThe point or area where two or more things cross or meet.
/ˌɪntərˈsɛkʃən/
A point or line where two or more things meet and cross each other.
We should meet at the intersection of Main Street and Oak Avenue.
💡 Simply: Imagine two roads crossing each other, forming a place where cars can turn or go straight. That place is an intersection!
👶 For kids: Where two roads meet and you can drive from one road to the other!
More Examples
The accident occurred at a dangerous intersection.
The intersection of the railway tracks and the road needed a safety upgrade.
How It's Used
"The traffic lights at the intersection were malfunctioning, causing a major traffic jam."
"The intersection of the two lines defines a point."
In mathematics, the point, line, or area shared by two or more geometric objects or sets.
/ˌɪntərˈsɛkʃən/
A point or set of points that are common to two or more geometric objects.
The intersection of the two lines defined a single point.
💡 Simply: Imagine two groups of things. The intersection is what's the same in both groups, like if both groups like pizza!
👶 For kids: When two groups have something in common, like if you and your friend both like ice cream!
More Examples
The intersection of sets A and B contains elements present in both.
We calculated the intersection of the function graphs.
How It's Used
"The intersection of two sets includes elements common to both."
"The intersection of two databases yielded a subset of records."
The interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, class, and gender as they apply to a given individual or group, regarded as creating overlapping and interdependent systems of discrimination or disadvantage.
/ˌɪntərˈsɛkʃən/
A meeting of perspectives, ideas, or identities.
Intersectionality provides a framework for understanding the experiences of marginalized groups.
💡 Simply: It's when different parts of who you are, like your race, gender, and where you grew up, all come together and affect how you see the world and how the world sees you.
👶 For kids: It means how different things about you, like being a girl and liking to play with cars, all mix together to make you, you!
More Examples
The study explored the intersection of poverty and education.
The policy aimed to address the intersection of environmental and social justice concerns.
How It's Used
"Intersectionality examines how various forms of discrimination and disadvantage overlap."
"The intersection of race, class, and gender shapes individuals' experiences."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
at the intersection of
Describing the convergence of two or more things.
"The novel lies at the intersection of history and fiction."
From Latin *intersectiō* ("a cutting into") from *intersecāre* ("to cut into, intersect") , from *inter* ("between") + *secāre* ("to cut").
The term 'intersection' has been used in English since the 17th century, primarily to describe the crossing of lines or roads.
Memory tip
Think of two streets crossing each other; that's an intersection.
Word Origin
"a cutting into"