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

The bill, part of efforts to slash overall migration to Australia, had been opposed by most universities who say it would damage the higher education sector and its global reputation.

From BBC

Now interest in the sector seems to be growing elsewhere once again.

From BBC

“Employees whose positions are eliminated deserve to be treated with respect,” Mr. Musk and Mr. Ramaswamy wrote in The Journal, adding that the efficiency department would “help support their transition into the private sector.”

From New York Times

New job creation has largely been in government and healthcare sectors, with the state reporting about 25% more unemployed workers overall.

From Los Angeles Times

Its most recent shipments, including electronics by US and UK companies, went to a Russian company named Titan-Mikro, which has been subject to US sanctions since May 2023 for operating within Russia’s military sector.

From BBC

Related Words

• district
• part
• region
• zone