Intersection: meaning, definitions and examples

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intersection

 

[ ˌɪn.tərˈsek.ʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

mathematics

A point, line, or curve common to two or more geometric figures.

Synonyms

crossing, junction, meeting point.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
intersection

Used primarily in American English to describe a place where two or more roads cross each other.

  • There was an accident at the intersection of 5th and Main Street
crossing

Refers to a place where people or vehicles can cross something like a road, railroad tracks, or a river. Can also mean pedestrian crossings.

  • Be careful while crossing the street
  • The railroad crossing can be dangerous if you are not aware
junction

Often used in British English to refer to a place where two or more roads meet, usually in the context of highways or major roads.

  • Take the second exit at the junction to stay on the highway
meeting point

Describes a place where people or things converge or meet, not necessarily related to roads. It has a broader and more general meaning.

  • The park serves as a great meeting point for friends and family

Examples of usage

  • The intersection of two lines forms a point.
  • The intersection of two circles is a line.
Context #2 | Noun

traffic

A junction where two or more roads cross.

Synonyms

crossing, crossroads, junction.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
intersection

Repetition of 'intersection' not needed as it's already defined.

crossroads

Used more metaphorically to describe a point where a decision must be made, but still applies to physical places where roads meet, often in rural or less urbanized areas.

  • We are at a crossroads in our project
  • The small village had only one crossroads with a stop sign
junction

Often used to describe a point where roads or railway lines meet, more technical and slightly less common than 'intersection'. Generally used in contexts involving transportation planning.

  • Take a left at the next junction
  • The train slows down at the junction of the two rail lines
crossing

Typically used when referring to a place where a road and a pedestrian path or railway intersect. Often related to pedestrian safety.

  • Be careful at the pedestrian crossing
  • The train crossing can be dangerous if you don't stop and look

Examples of usage

  • There was heavy traffic at the intersection.
  • The accident happened at the intersection of Main Street and Maple Avenue.
Context #3 | Noun

general

A point or area where two or more things intersect or cross each other.

Synonyms

crossing point, junction, meeting point.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
intersection

Used when referring to a point where two or more roads or paths cross each other. Commonly used in traffic and urban planning contexts.

  • The traffic light at the intersection was not working
  • The store is located near the main intersection in town
crossing point

Often used to describe a specific location where people or vehicles can cross from one side of an area (like a road or border) to another. Suitable for discussions about designated crossing locations.

  • The crossing point for pedestrians is clearly marked
  • This is the main crossing point between the two countries
meeting point

Used to describe a place where people agree to gather or meet. It doesn't necessarily involve roads but can refer to any agreed-upon location.

  • Let's meet at the coffee shop, it's a convenient meeting point
  • The festival organizers designated a meeting point near the entrance
junction

Used to describe a point where two or more roads or paths meet, typically used in the context of road networks or railway systems. Often refers to a place where multiple routes converge.

  • Take the next left at the junction to reach the highway
  • The railway junction is a busy place with trains coming from different directions

Examples of usage

  • The intersection of art and technology is a growing field.
  • The intersection of different cultures can lead to interesting discoveries.

Translations

Translations of the word "intersection" in other languages:

🇵🇹 interseção

🇮🇳 चौराहा

🇩🇪 Kreuzung

🇮🇩 persimpangan

🇺🇦 перехрестя

🇵🇱 skrzyżowanie

🇯🇵 交差点

🇫🇷 intersection

🇪🇸 intersección

🇹🇷 kavşak

🇰🇷 교차로

🇸🇦 تقاطع

🇨🇿 křižovatka

🇸🇰 križovatka

🇨🇳 交叉口

🇸🇮 križišče

🇮🇸 gatnamót

🇰🇿 қиылыс

🇬🇪 გადაკვეთა

🇦🇿 kəsişmə

🇲🇽 intersección

Etymology

The word 'intersection' originated in the 1550s from the Latin word 'intersectionem', which means 'a cutting asunder, intersection'. The concept of intersection has been widely used in mathematics, urban planning, and various other fields to describe the point or area where two or more things meet or cross each other.

See also: intersecting.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,722 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.