Main Entry:

¹sec·tion

Pronunciation:

\ˈsek-shən\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Latin section-, sectio, from secare to cut — more at saw

Date:

1534

1 a: the action or an instance of cutting or separating by cutting b: a part set off by or as if by cutting2: a distinct part or portion of something written (as a chapter, law, or newspaper)3 a: the profile of something as it would appear if cut through by an intersecting plane b: the plane figure resulting from the cutting of a solid by a plane4: a natural subdivision of a taxonomic group5: a character § used as a mark for the beginning of a section and as a reference mark6: a piece of land one square mile in area forming especially one of the 36 subdivisions of a township7: a distinct part of a territorial or political area, community, or group of people <the historic section of the city>8 a: a part that may be, is, or is viewed as separated <a board cut into sections> <the northern section of the route> b: one segment of a fruit : carpel9: a basic military unit usually having a special function10: a very thin slice (as of tissue) suitable for microscopic examination11 a: one of the classes formed by dividing the students taking a course b: one of the discussion groups into which a conference or organization is divided12 a: a part of a permanent railroad way under the care of a particular crew b: one of two or more vehicles or trains which run on the same schedule13: one of several component parts that may be assembled or reassembled <a bookcase in sections>14: a division of an orchestra composed of one class of instruments <the string section>15: signature 3b

synonyms see part