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cross section
The term operates in two distinct registers: technical and sociological. In a technical or scientific context, it refers to a physical slice of an object, often used in anatomy or engineering to analyze internal structures. This usage is literal and descriptive.
In a sociological or statistical context, the term is used metaphorically to describe a group of people. It implies a deliberate effort to include a diverse range of backgrounds, ages, or social classes to avoid bias. Using "cross section" in this sense suggests a miniature version of the whole population, emphasizing representativeness over simple quantity.
Meanings
Examples
The biology teacher showed a cross section of a leaf.
The focus group was a cross section of local parents.
This cake is a perfect cross section of layers.
The study sampled a broad cross section of the electorate.
Archaeologists analyzed a cross section of the ancient soil layers.