intersecting
UK[ˌɪntəˈsektɪŋ]US[ˌɪntərˈsektɪŋ]
adj
(of lines, roads, paths, etc.) crossing or meeting at a point.
verb (present participle)
to divide something by crossing or meeting it; to cross or meet at a point.
Morpheme Breakdown
inter
sect
ing
inter
between, among
sect
cut
ing
present participle suffix
Etymology
The word 'intersecting' is built upon the Latin verb 'intersecare', which itself is a compound of 'inter-' (between) and 'secare' (to cut). The literal image is of one line "cutting between" or "cutting across" another, creating a point of division or meeting. This concrete action of lines crossing was semantically extended to describe any paths, roads, or ideas that meet or cross each other's course. The '-ing' suffix, of Germanic origin, adapts the verb into its adjectival or participial form in Modern English, describing the state or action of crossing.
Analysis
Structure: inter (between, among) + sect (cut) + ing (present participle suffix)
- 'inter': A Latin preposition and prefix meaning "between, among".
- 'sect': From the Latin root 'sect-', the past participle stem of 'secare', meaning "to cut".
- 'ing': An Old English suffix used to form the present participle of verbs or adjectives derived from them.
Examples
The map shows the intersecting lines of latitude and longitude.
Our research focuses on the intersecting themes of technology and society.
The two hiking trails are intersecting just ahead at the old bridge.