cross-sectional study

Definition:

1. a study in which groups of individuals of different types are composed into one large sample and studied at only a single timepoint (a survey in which all members of a given population, regardless of age, religion, gender, or geographic location, are sampled for a given characteristic or finding in one day).
2. analysis of (an) anatomic or other structure(s) by means of a series of planar sections or radiographic images through the structure(s) and the surrounding environment.

Synonym(s): synchronic study

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