To run through or travel across in a north–south (longitudinal) direction; cutting across an area lengthwise.
新幹線は本州を縦断して九州へ向かった。
The shinkansen ran through Honshu and headed toward Kyushu.
この道路は山脈を縦断する形で建設された。
This road was built so that it cuts across the mountain range lengthwise.
調査隊は島を縦断して植生の違いを記録した。
The survey team traversed the island from north to south and recorded differences in vegetation.
To cut or section something vertically/longitudinally (along its length); used for making a vertical cross-section.
外科医は胸部を縦断して内部の損傷を確認した。
The surgeon made a longitudinal incision in the chest to check internal damage.
木材を縦断して芯を調べる作業が必要だ。
It is necessary to cut the timber lengthwise to inspect the core.