intersession
UK[ˌɪntəˈseʃən]US[ˌɪntərˈseʃən]
n
A short period between two academic terms or sessions, often used for intensive courses or breaks.
Morpheme Breakdown
inter
session
inter
between
session
a meeting or period
Etymology
The word "intersession" is a modern compound formed within English. It combines the Latin prefix "inter-", which has been used in English since the Middle English period to denote a position between or among things, with the noun "session", which entered English from Old French and ultimately from the Latin sessionem (a sitting). The literal construction means "a period sitting between" other periods. This logical formation follows the pattern of other "inter-" words like "intermission" or "interlude", creating a specific term for the short break or intensive term that occurs between the standard academic sessions.
Analysis
Structure: inter (between) + session (a meeting or period)
- inter: A prefix of Latin origin, meaning "between, among".
- session: A noun of Latin origin (from sessio, meaning "a sitting"), referring to a period devoted to a particular activity.
Examples
The university offers special study-abroad programs during the winter intersession.
Many students use the intersession to complete a required course in a condensed format.
Campus facilities have reduced hours over the spring intersession.