sector

¹sec·tor

noun \ˈsek-tər, -ˌtȯr\

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

Examples of SECTOR

1. He was assigned to the northern sector.
2. Data is stored on the disk in 512-byte sectors.

Origin of SECTOR

Late Latin, from Latin, cutter, from secare to cut — more at saw

First Known Use: 1570

Rhymes with SECTOR

hector, lector, nectar, rector, specter, vector