Sector Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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sector
[ˈsɛktər ]
Definitions
business
A sector is a specific part or area of a larger entity, such as the economy, industry, or market. It can refer to a distinct category or segment within a broader system.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| sector |
Use 'sector' to describe a broad area of the economy or a specific part of society. It is often used in business, finance, and economics to refer to different areas, such as public and private sectors.
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| industry |
Use 'industry' to talk about a particular type of business or economic activity. It often refers to companies producing similar products or services.
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| field |
Use 'field' to describe a specific area of study, work, or interest. It is often used to talk about academic disciplines or professional areas.
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| segment |
Use 'segment' to describe a smaller, distinct part of a market, audience, or any other grouping. It often refers to targeted groups in business or marketing contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The technology sector is booming with new innovations.
- She works in the healthcare sector, focusing on patient care and wellness.
geometry
In geometry, a sector is a portion of a circle enclosed by two radii and the arc between them. It is like a slice of the circle.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| sector |
used to describe a distinct part of a economy, company, or other area of activity
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| slice |
normally used to describe a thin, flat piece cut from something larger, often used in food or metaphorically in data
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| portion |
refers to a part of something larger, typically emphasizing a share or serving size
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| segment |
used to refer to a part that is divided from the whole, often in context of markets or media
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Examples of usage
- The pizza was divided into eight equal sectors for sharing.
- The playground had a circular sector designated for outdoor activities.
military
A sector in military terms refers to a specific area or portion of a battlefield assigned to a particular unit or commander for defense or offense.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| sector |
Used to refer to a distinct part of a society or an economy, or an area of activity, especially in technical, economic, or professional fields.
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| area |
This word is broad and can be used to refer to a physical or conceptual space, or a part of an interest or activity.
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| zone |
Typically refers to a specific area that is different from surrounding areas in some way, often used in urban planning, environmental, or safety contexts.
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| territory |
Commonly used to describe a geographical region, especially when discussing land that is owned or controlled by a particular country, group, or institution.
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Examples of usage
- The troops were deployed to secure the northern sector of the battlefield.
- The air force targeted enemy positions in the western sector.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Economics
- The economy is generally divided into three main sectors: primary (raw materials), secondary (manufacturing), and tertiary (services).
- As economies develop, there’s often a shift from primary production to more focus on the tertiary sector.
- The growing technology sector is a key driver in contemporary economies, creating jobs and influencing productivity.
Geography
- In geographical terms, a sector can describe areas of urban planning, such as residential, commercial, or industrial zones.
- Cities often use sector-based models to organize resources and structure growth effectively, aiding in transportation and services.
- The concept of sectors also applies to environmental science, identifying areas for preservation or development.
Education
- Educational sectors can refer to the different levels of education, such as primary, secondary, and higher education.
- Curricula are often structured by sectors to prepare students for specialized fields of study.
- Understanding different sectors of education helps in analyzing progress and areas in need of improvement.
Technology
- In information technology, 'sector' describes divisions on a hard disk where data is stored.
- Computer networks can also be organized by sector based on functions—like administrative, research, and operations sectors.
- The tech sector is rapidly evolving, impacting other sectors through innovations like artificial intelligence and big data.
Origin of 'sector'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Latin 'sectus', meaning 'to cut', reflecting the idea of dividing something into parts.
- Originally used in mathematics and geometry, it referred to a section of a circle before expanding to other uses.
- In the 18th century, the term began to be applied broadly, including in areas like economics and industry.
The word 'sector' originated from the Latin word 'sector' meaning 'a cutter or one who cuts'. It first appeared in English in the 15th century with the meaning 'a mathematical instrument for drawing circles'. Over time, its usage expanded to refer to various divisions or portions within different fields. Today, 'sector' is commonly used in business, economics, geometry, and military contexts.
See also: dissect, dissection, intersect, secant, sect, sectarian, section, sections.