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sector

 - 6 dictionary results
Sector
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sec⋅tor

  [sek-ter]
Use sector in a Sentence
–noun
1. Geometry. a plane figure bounded by two radii and the included arc of a circle.
2. a mathematical instrument consisting of two flat rulers hinged together at one end and bearing various scales.
3. Machinery. a device used in connection with an index plate, consisting of two arms rotating about the center of the plate and set to indicate the angle through which the work is indexed.
4. Military. a designated defense area, usually in a combat zone, within which a particular military unit operates and for which it is responsible.
5. Astronomy. an instrument shaped like a sector of a circle, having a variable central angle and sights along the two straight sides, for measuring the angular distance between two celestial bodies.
6. a distinct part, esp. of society or of a nation's economy: the housing sector; the educational sector.
7. a section or zone, as of a city.
8. Computers. a portion of a larger block of storage, as 1/128 of a track or disk.
–verb (used with object)
9. to divide into sectors.
Origin:
1560–70; < LL: sector, L: cutter, equiv. to of sec(āre) to cut + -tor -tor

Related forms:
sec⋅tor⋅al, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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Sector
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sec·tor   (sěk'tər, -tôr')   
n.  

  1. Mathematics

    1. The portion of a circle bounded by two radii and the included arc.

    2. A measuring instrument consisting of two graduated arms hinged together at one end.

    3. A division of a defensive position for which one military unit is responsible.

    4. A division of an offensive military position.

    1. A division of a defensive position for which one military unit is responsible.

    2. A division of an offensive military position.

  3. A part or division, as of a city or a national economy: the manufacturing sector; the private sector.

  4. Computer Science A portion of a magnetic storage device making up the smallest addressable unit of information.

tr.v.   sec·tored, sec·tor·ing, sec·tors
To divide (something) into sectors.

[Late Latin, from Latin, cutter, from sectus, past participle of secāre, to cut; see sek- in Indo-European roots.]
sec·to'ri·al (-tôr'ē-əl, -tōr'-) adj.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

sector 
1570, "section of a circle between two radii," from L.L. sector "section of a circle," from L. sector "a cutter," from sectus, pp. of secare "to cut" (see section). Translated Gk. tomeus in L. editions of Archimedes. Meaning "area, division" appeared 1920, generalized from military sense (1916) of "part of a front," based on a circle centered on a headquarters.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Financial Dictionary

Sector

1. An area of the economy where businesses share the same or related product or service.

2. A group of securities in the same industry or market.

Investopedia Commentary

1. Dividing an economy into different like pieces allows for more in-depth analysis of the economy as a whole. Any economy can be divided into sectors, such as the economy of a particular city, or the global economy. The oil and gas sector is an example of an economic sector.

2. It is common for analysts to specialize in certain sectors. For example, at a large research firm an analyst may cover only pharmaceutical companies. Investment funds often specialize in a particular economic sector, a practice known as sector investing.

Related Links

Industry Handbook
Do Focused Funds Provide a Better Outlook?
You Can't Judge an Index Fund by Its Cover
Sector Rotation: The Essentials
A Guide To Conference Board Indicators

See also: Diversification, Exchange Traded Fund - ETF, Industry, Market, Mutual Fund, Sector Fund, Sector Rotation

Investopedia.com. Copyright © 1999-2005 - All rights reserved. Owned and Operated by Investopedia Inc.
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Financial Dictionary

sector

A group of securities (such as airline stocks) that share certain common characteristics. Stocks that are particularly interest-sensitive are considered a sector.

Wall Street Words: An A to Z Guide to Investment Terms by David L. Scott.
Copyright © 2003. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
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Science Dictionary
sector   (sěk'tər)  Pronunciation Key 
The part of a circle bounded by two radii and the arc between them.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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