sector

[ sek-ter ]

noun

1. Geometry. a plane figure bounded by two radii and the included arc of a circle.
2. a distinct part, especially of society or of a nation's economy:

   the housing sector; the educational sector.

3. a section or zone, as of a city.
4. Military. a designated defense area, usually in a combat zone, within which a particular military unit operates and for which it is responsible.
5. a mathematical instrument consisting of two flat rulers hinged together at one end and bearing various scales.
6. Machinery. a device used in connection with an index plate, consisting of two arms rotating about the center of the plate and set to indicate the angle through which the work is indexed.
7. Astronomy. an instrument shaped like a sector of a circle, having a variable central angle and sights along the two straight sides, for measuring the angular distance between two celestial bodies.
8. Computers. a portion of a larger block of storage, as 1/128 of a track or disk.

verb (used with object)

1. to divide into sectors.

sector

/ ˈsɛktə /

noun

1. a part or subdivision, esp of a society or an economy

   the private sector

2. geometry either portion of a circle included between two radii and an arc. Area: 1 2 r ²θ, where r is the radius and θ is the central angle subtended by the arc (in radians)
3. a measuring instrument consisting of two graduated arms hinged at one end
4. a part or subdivision of an area of military operations
5. computing the smallest addressable portion of the track on a magnetic tape, disk, or drum store

sector

/ sĕk′tər /

1. The part of a circle bounded by two radii and the arc between them.

Derived Forms

• ˈsectoral, adjective

Other Words From

• sector·al adjective
• subsector noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sector¹

First recorded in 1560–70; from Late Latin, from Latin: “cutter,” from sec(āre) “to cut, divide” + -tor -tor

Word History and Origins

Origin of sector¹

C16: from Late Latin: sector, from Latin: a cutter, from secāre to cut

Example Sentences

Consumer confidence in China has taken a hit from a crisis in the country's property sector and high levels of youth unemployment.

From BBC

"I still do think foreign investors and banks will back them like they did post Hindenburg though, given that they are part of very important, well performing sectors of the Indian economy," he says.

From BBC

Assethold said: "The increase in service charges over the past three years reflects essential infrastructure upgrades and inflationary pressures in the property sector."

From BBC

Among other sectors, economists say, Mexican workers play key roles in U.S. agriculture, meat-packing, construction, hotels and restaurants.

From Los Angeles Times

"Although long-term finances remain sound, this shortfall has arisen because of inflationary cost pressures and a reduction in international postgraduate numbers, reflected across the sector," Prof Maguire said.

From BBC

Related Words

• district
• part
• region
• zone