cross section

A sample or representation of a group or thing that shows all its typical parts or characteristics; also, a slice or cut through something to show its internal structure.

• 🇨🇳指某事物或群体的代表性样本，展示其所有典型部分或特征；也指为展示内部结构而对某物所作的横切面或剖面。

1. Representative sample B2 formal

   A small group that is representative of a larger population or variety.

   • The survey included a cross section of the population.
   • The class is a cross section of students from different backgrounds.
   • The study used a cross section of industries to gather data.

   🇨🇳代表性样本

2. Slice or cut B1 formal

   A surface or shape exposed by making a straight cut through something, especially at right angles to an axis.

   • The diagram shows a cross section of the human heart.
   • Geologists examined a cross section of the rock layers.
   • The cross section of the tree trunk reveals its age rings.

   🇨🇳横截面