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RE: cross section vs cross-sectional - what about cross sectioned andcross sectioning
Subject:RE: cross section vs cross-sectional - what about cross sectioned andcross sectioning From:"Combs, Richard" <richard -dot- combs -at- Polycom -dot- com> To:<techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com> Date:Wed, 23 Dec 2009 10:54:59 -0700
Robert Lauriston wrote:
> Cross section is a noun. The adjective is cross-sectional. There is no
> verb form. I can't say how I knew that, but my unabridged dictionary
> confirms it.
>
> On Wed, Dec 23, 2009 at 8:32 AM, Deborah Hemstreet
> <dvora -at- tech-challenged -dot- com> wrote:
> > Hi All,
> >
> > Cross section is correct if its a noun
> >
> > cross-section is correct if its an adjective
> >
> > What about verb forms:
> > cross-sectioning or cross sectioning
> > cross-sectioned or cross sectioned
> >
> > In the latter two cases, please tell me why and how you found the answer
> -
> > I've been looking and see very confusing usage out there.
Robert's right about the noun and adjective. I was ready to agree about the verb forms, too, which strike me as quite ugly. But a quick check showed that both Random House (dictionary.com) and Merriam-Webster (m-w.com) recognize cross-section as a transitive verb.
Personally, I'd try to say it differently, but how would depend on the context and meaning.
Richard G. Combs
Senior Technical Writer
Polycom, Inc.
richardDOTcombs AT polycomDOTcom
303-223-5111
------
rgcombs AT gmailDOTcom
303-777-0436
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