First Known Use: 1570
Dictionary
1sector
noun sec·tor \ˈsek-tər, -ˌtȯr\
: an area of an economy : a part of an economy that includes certain kinds of jobs
: an area for which someone (such as a military commander) is responsible
computers : one of the parts that a computer disk is divided into
Full Definition of SECTOR
1
a : a geometric figure bounded by two radii and the included arc of a circle b (1) : a subdivision of a defensive military position (2) : a portion of a military front or area of operation c : an area or portion resembling a sector <bilingual sector of town — David Kleinberg> d : a sociological, economic, or political subdivision of society <cooperation between the public and private sectors — Peter Chapman>
2
: a mathematical instrument consisting of two rulers connected at one end by a joint and marked with several scales
3
: a subdivision of a track on a computer disk
— sec·tor·al \ˈsek-t(ə-)rəl\ adjective
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Origin of SECTOR
Late Latin, from Latin, cutter, from secare to cut — more at saw
2sector
transitive verb sec·tor \-tər\
sec·toredsec·tor·ing \-t(ə-)riŋ\
SECTOR Defined for Kids
sector
noun sec·tor \ˈsek-tər\
Definition of SECTOR for Kids
: a part of an area or of a sphere of activity <the industrial sector of the economy>
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