Cutaway: meaning, definitions and examples

A type of diagram used to show the inner workings of a complex object, often used in technical manuals or educational materials to help viewers understand how it functions.

• The cutaway diagram of the engine made it easy to understand how the parts fit together
• In the science book, there was a cutaway illustration of the volcano

A specific type of film shot that focuses on a particular detail that is important to the narrative, such as a letter, text message, or a small object. It helps the audience know where to focus their attention.

• The insert of the ticking clock created suspense
• An insert shot of the ringing phone highlighted its importance to the scene

A method used in film editing where two or more actions or scenes are alternated rapidly to create a relationship between them, usually to build tension or show parallel events.

• The action scenes were intercut with shots of the control room to add intensity
• As the hero defused the bomb, the director intercut it with scenes of the timer counting down

A term in film and video editing referring to the way one shot moves to the next. It can be as simple as a cut or more complex like a fade, wipe, or dissolve, used to convey passage of time, change of location, or different mood.

• The transition from day to night was done smoothly with a time-lapse effect
• A fade transition signaled the end of the flashback

Used to show the internal structure of an object, often used in technical drawings or diagrams.

• The cutaway diagram of the engine helped the students understand how it functions.
• The magazine included a cutaway view of the new model airplane.

Used to show a slice or section of an object, usually perpendicular to its longest axis. Commonly used in scientific and medical contexts.

• The cross-section of the tree trunk showed its age rings.
• The cross-section of the artery revealed areas of blockage.

Similar to 'cross-section,' this term is used in engineering and architectural drawings to depict a view that slices through the object to reveal internal components.

• The sectional view of the building showed the interior layout of each floor.
• Engineers reviewed the sectional view of the pipeline for better understanding.

Typically used to describe an image or material that can be seen through. In presentations or educational materials, it is often used to layer information without hiding the content beneath.

• The map overlay was printed on a transparency so that it could be placed over other documents.
• The transparency of the cell allowed the students to see its internal anatomy.