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

Inside the care sector itself, one leader says people are “worn” by the debate between different parts of government when the need for change is urgent.

From BBC

As advocates across social sectors brace for an uphill battle, the ability of organizations to respond effectively will depend heavily on funding, volunteer engagement and strategic mobilization.

From Salon

“The impact on the sector is hard to judge fully at this stage but, at the very least, it will cause a good deal of uncertainty,” he said.

From BBC

It was affected by a weak performance in the services sector - which accounts for more than three-quarters of the economy - which grew by just 0.1%.

From BBC

Vivienne Stern, chief executive of Universities UK, which represents 140 institutions, says universities are already "making tough choices to control costs", adding that the sector "needs to continue evolving".

From BBC

Related Words

• district
• part
• region
• zone