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section

/ˈsɛkʃən/ noun

In Latin: sectiō Wiktionary

noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about section at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

  1. A self-contained part of a larger composition (written or musical).
    he always turns first to the business section
  2. A very thin slice (of tissue or mineral or other substance) for examination under a microscope.
    sections from the left ventricle showed diseased tissue
  3. A distinct region or subdivision of a territorial or political area or community or group of people.
    no section of the nation is more ardent than the South

verb

  1. Divide into segments.
    segment an orange

Origin

From Middle English seccioun, from Old French section, from Latin sectiō (“cutting, cutting off, excision, amputation of diseased parts of the body, etc.”), from sectus, past participle of secāre (“to cut”). More at saw.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)