noun
sector
SEK-ter/ˈsektər/
A defined subdivision of a larger area.
The highlighted wedge marks one sector of the circular map.
Etymology
The pieces literally yield “one who cuts,” but Latin sector also named a section of a circle. That geometric division broadened to an area or division regardless of shape, and then to an economic branch.
In context
the agriculture sector is a thriving part of the economy, which helps to tackle climate change, protects biodiversity and, most importantly, puts food on plates.
More examples
- She works in the private sector.
- Two radii and the arc between them bound a sector.
- One damaged sector makes part of the disk unreadable.
Forms
sector · sectors
sectoral adjective — Relating to a particular sector.