Segments Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ”—
Add to dictionary

segments

[หˆsษ›ษกmษ™nts ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

parts of a whole

Segments are individual parts or sections that make up a whole. They can be distinct units with specific characteristics.

Synonyms

divisions, parts, sections.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
segments

Segments are typically used to describe separate, often smaller, portions of something that is meant to be together but divided. This word can be used in a variety of contexts, such as business, biology, or film.

  • The report was divided into three main segments.
  • The orange was peeled and broken into segments.
sections

Sections usually refer to distinct, often larger subsections of something, like chapters in a book or areas in a store. This word is often used in academic, architectural, or organizational contexts.

  • The library has a large section for history books.
  • This magazine has interesting sections on technology and health.
parts

Parts are generally used to refer to pieces of a whole. This term is very versatile and can be used in almost any context where something is being broken down.

  • We need all the parts to assemble the furniture.
  • The book is divided into three parts.
divisions

Divisions generally imply a formal separation into groups or categories, often within organizations or structures. This word is often used in business, military, and administrative contexts.

  • The company has several geographical divisions.
  • The army was organized into multiple divisions.

Examples of usage

  • The orange is divided into segments.
  • She divided the presentation into several segments.
  • The market research report is divided into different segments for analysis.
  • The movie is divided into segments, each focusing on a different character.
  • The podcast is split into segments covering various topics.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In biology, segments refer to repeating units in organisms, such as the segments in worms or the vertebrae in a backbone.
  • In technology, particularly in data analysis, segments are used to categorize data to better understand patterns and trends.
  • In linguistics, segments can refer to individual sounds (phonemes) within spoken language, which help form words.

Pop Culture

  • Television shows often have segments that focus on different topics, like cooking, news, or interviews, making up the complete show.
  • The video game industry uses segments to target specific audiences, tailoring content to different player groups for better engagement.
  • In popular films, directors often use segmenting techniques in storytelling to create tension and develop multiple plot lines.

Education

  • In learning environments, segmenting information into smaller chunks can help students grasp complex subjects more effectively.
  • Educational apps frequently use segmented lessons, allowing users to master one topic before moving on to another, enhancing retention.
  • Segmenting texts into smaller paragraphs improves reading comprehension by making it easier for students to follow the narrative.

Origin of 'segments'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'segmentum,' meaning 'a piece cut off,' which is related to the act of cutting something into parts.
  • In geometry, segments refer specifically to straight lines connecting two points, and the concept has roots in ancient Greek mathematics.
  • The use of 'segment' in describing parts of a whole became more widespread in the late 15th century.

The word 'segments' originates from the Latin word 'segmentum', which means 'a piece cut off'. The concept of dividing something into segments has been used throughout history in various fields such as mathematics, biology, and business. Understanding the parts that make up a whole has been essential for analysis and categorization in different disciplines.


See also: segmentation, segmented, segmenter, segmenters, segmenting.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,778, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.