cross section; section; cut surface
The physical surface or shape visible when something is cut through, or a diagram showing that internal section. Common in technical, scientific, and everyday descriptions.
This diagram shows a cross section of the engine.
When we cut the cake, a neat cross section was visible.
profile; cross-section; aspect
Figurative use for a representative slice or revealing aspect of a society, group, era, or situation, rather like English 'a cross-section' or 'profile.'
This novel depicts a cross-section of contemporary society.
The survey results reveal one aspect of young people's lives.
I cut the apple in half and looked at the cross section.
He cut the tree to show the cross section of its growth rings.
This film captures a cross-section of modern society.
The incident brought to light a telling cross-section of the era.