■ noun
1》 an area or portion that is distinct from others.
↘a distinct part of an economy, society, or sphere of activity.
↘a subdivision of an area for military operations.
2》 the plane figure enclosed by two radii of a circle or ellipse and the arc between them.
3》 a mathematical instrument consisting of two arms hinged at one end and marked with sines, tangents, etc. for making diagrams.
Derivatives
~al adjective
Origin
C16: from late L., a technical use of L. ~ 'cutter'.