A representative sample is a subset of a population that accurately reflects the characteristics of the entire population. It is often used in research to draw conclusions about a larger group. In this crossword, the term 'representative sample' is represented by two words: 'SPECIMEN' (8 letters) and 'crosssection' (12 letters). A SPECIMEN is a single item or example taken from a larger group, while a crosssection is a representation of a group at a particular point in time.