acrosscrosssection

Acrosscrosssection (noun) refers to a cross-sectional view or slice obtained by cutting across the width of an object, typically along a plane perpendicular to its main axis. In practice, the acrosscrosssection emphasizes variation across the object's breadth rather than along its length, and it is used to examine internal layering, composition, or structural features that run transversely.

The term is a compound formed from across and cross-section, and is used in specialized contexts where researchers distinguish cross-sectional views taken across the object from longitudinal sections along its length.

Applications include geology, materials science, and engineering, where acrosscrosssections help reveal grain distribution, layering, thickness, porosity, or defect patterns that are not evident in longitudinal views.

Acquisition and analysis: Acrosscrosssections can be obtained by physical slicing, microtomy, or by imaging methods that produce perpendicular planes, such as CT scans or other cross-sectional imaging techniques. Analysts compare acrosscrosssections to model spatial variation and to quantify properties across the breadth of a specimen.

See also cross-section, longitudinal section, transverse plane.