1605-15; < Latinintersectus past participle of intersecāre to cut through, sever. See inter-, -sect
Related forms
nonintersecting, adjective
self-intersecting, adjective
unintersected, adjective
unintersecting, adjective
British Dictionary definitions for intersect
intersect
/ˌɪntəˈsɛkt/
verb
1.
to divide, cut, or mark off by passing through or across
2.
(esp of roads) to cross (each other)
3.
(maths) (often foll by with) to have one or more points in common (with another configuration)
Word Origin
C17: from Latin intersecāre to divide, from inter- + secāre to cut
Word Origin and History for intersect
v.
1610s, back-formation from intersection, or else from Latin intersectus, past participle of intersecare "intersect, cut asunder," from inter- "between" (see inter-) + secare "to cut" (see section (n.)). Related: Intersected; intersecting.
n.
1650s, from Latin intersectum (see intersect (v.)).