Etymology Map
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Sector

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a distinct part of an economy or area

Where does the word "sector" come from? It comes from Latin sector, adopted directly into English (1570s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
sector
Latin · ancient
"cutter"
from 'secare', to cut
2
Stage 2 of 2
sector
English · 1570s
"geometric figure"
economic 'sectors' date from the 1900s
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Read the full story

Sector’s story begins in Latin: sector meant “cutter.” From 'secare', to cut. It reached English by 1570s as sector. Economic 'sectors' date from the 1900s. Today, sector means a distinct part of an economy or area.