"Cross-sectional" refers to a type of study or analysis that examines data at a specific point in time. This approach allows researchers to gather information from various subjects, such as individuals or groups, to understand a particular phenomenon or condition. For example, a cross-sectional study might assess the health behaviors of different age groups in a community during a single year. In contrast to longitudinal studies, which track changes over time, cross-sectional studies provide a snapshot of the situation. They are often used in fields like epidemiology and sociology to identify patterns and correlations, making them valuable for public health assessments and social research.