transect

1 of 2

verb

tran·​sect tran(t)-ˈsekt How to pronounce transect (audio)
transected; transecting; transects

transitive verb

: to cut transversely
transection
tran(t)-ˈsek-shən How to pronounce transect (audio)
noun

transect

2 of 2

noun

tran·​sect ˈtran(t)-ˌsekt How to pronounce transect (audio)
: a sample area (as of vegetation) usually in the form of a long continuous strip

Examples of transect in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
The forest comprises more than 2 million acres, and at least a half-dozen miniature mountain ranges transect the plot, which is home to several unique species. — Matthew Cappucci, Washington Post, 17 Aug. 2017 Over the years the course of the river moved closer and closer, taking the trees, and eventually requiring the protective levee and river road to transect the front yard of the house. — Lindsay Bierman, Southern Living, 11 July 2017
Noun
Tie a wet kerchief over your nose and mouth, hurry to finish your transect, and paddle back through the haze as thousands of acres of pine barrens burn upwind. — Amy Davis, AZCentral.com, 13 Jan. 2025 Marine biologist placing a transect and a square, for a later census of both fish and invertebrates. — Kevin Green, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for transect

Word History

Etymology

Verb

trans- + intersect

First Known Use

Verb

1634, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1905, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of transect was in 1634

Rhymes for transect

See All Rhymes for transect

Browse Nearby Words

transductor
transect
transelement
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Transect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transect. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

transect

transitive verb
tran·​sect tran-ˈsekt How to pronounce transect (audio)
: to cut transversely
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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