intersection

/,intə'sekʃn/

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Explanation of the Word "Intersection"

Definition: The word "intersection" is a noun that refers to the point where two or more things meet or cross each other. This can be used in different contexts, such as mathematics, geometry, and everyday life.

Different Meanings:

1. General Meaning:

   • The place where two roads or paths cross each other. For example, when driving, you might say, "Turn left at the next intersection."

2. Mathematics:

   • In math, the intersection can refer to the common elements found in two sets. For example, if Set A is {1, 2, 3} and Set B is {2, 3, 4}, the intersection is {2, 3}.

3. Geometric Configurations:

   • It can also refer to points where lines or shapes meet. For example, in geometry, the intersection of two lines is the point where they cross.

Usage Instructions:

• "Intersection" can be used when discussing roads, geometry, and the overlap of ideas or categories.
• It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.

Example Sentences:

1. Everyday Use: "At the intersection of Main Street and Second Avenue, there is a traffic light."
2. Mathematical Use: "The intersection of the two sets includes all the elements they have in common."
3. Geometric Use: "The intersection of the two circles is where they overlap."

Advanced Usage:

• In discussions about theories or ideas, "intersection" can describe common ground. For example, "The intersection of their research focused on environmental sustainability."

Word Variants:

• Intersect (verb): To cross or meet at a point.
  • Example: "The two lines intersect at a right angle."
• Intersectional (adjective): Related to the way different social categories (like race, gender, etc.) overlap.
  • Example: "Intersectional feminism considers how various forms of inequality intersect."

Synonyms:

• Crossing
• Junction
• Convergence (when referring to ideas)
• Overlap (when referring to sets)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• At the intersection of: Used to describe a situation where two different ideas or paths meet.
  • Example: "She found herself at the intersection of art and science, combining both in her work."

Summary:

"Intersection" is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, from everyday conversations about roads to complex discussions in mathematics and social theories.

Academic

Noun

1. the act of intersecting (as joining by causing your path to intersect your target's path)
2. a representation of common ground between theories or phenomena
   • there was no overlap between their proposals
3. the set of elements common to two or more sets
   • the set of red hats is the intersection of the set of hats and the set of red things
4. a point or set of points common to two or more geometric configurations
5. a junction where one street or road crosses another
6. a point where lines intersect

Synonyms

• overlap
• convergence
• product
• Cartesian product
• crossroad
• crossway
• crossing
• carrefour
• intersection point
• point of intersection