The term 'cut crosswise' can be summarized by the word 'transect, ' which is an 8-letter word. Transect is a scientific term that refers to a line or section that is cut across an area in order to study it. It is commonly used in ecology and geography to study the environment, and it is also used in other fields such as archaeology and geology. Transects are used to measure and analyze the characteristics of an area, such as its vegetation, soil, and topography.