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section (n.)

late 14c., "intersection of two straight lines; division of a scale;" from Old French section or directly from Latin sectionem (nominative sectio) "a cutting, cutting off, division," noun of action from past participle stem of secare "to cut," from PIE root *sek- "to cut." From 1550s as "act of cutting or dividing." Meaning "subdivision of a written work, statute, etc." is from 1570s. Meaning "a part cut off from the rest" is from early 15c.

section (v.)

"divide into sections," 1819, from section (n.). Related: Sectioned; sectioning.

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Definitions of section from WordNet
1
section (n.)
a self-contained part of a larger composition (written or musical);
he always turns first to the business section
the history of this work is discussed in the next section
Synonyms: subdivision
section (n.)
a very thin slice (of tissue or mineral or other substance) for examination under a microscope;
sections from the left ventricle showed diseased tissue
section (n.)
a distinct region or subdivision of a territorial or political area or community or group of people;
there are three synagogues in the Jewish section
no section of the nation is more ardent than the South
section (n.)
one of several parts or pieces that fit with others to constitute a whole object;
a section of a fishing rod
metal sections were used below ground
Synonyms: segment
section (n.)
a small team of policemen working as part of a police platoon;
section (n.)
one of the portions into which something is regarded as divided and which together constitute a whole;
the finance section of the company
Synonyms: part / division
section (n.)
a land unit equal to 1 square mile;
section (n.)
(geometry) the area created by a plane cutting through a solid;
Synonyms: plane section
section (n.)
a small class of students who are part of a larger course but are taught separately;
a graduate student taught sections for the professor's lecture course
Synonyms: discussion section
section (n.)
a division of an orchestra containing all instruments of the same class;
section (n.)
a small army unit usually having a special function;
section (n.)
a specialized division of a large organization;
she got a job in the historical section of the Treasury
Synonyms: department
section (n.)
a segment of a citrus fruit;
he ate a section of the orange
section (n.)
the cutting of or into body tissues or organs (especially by a surgeon as part of an operation);
Synonyms: incision / surgical incision
2
section (v.)
divide into segments;
Synonyms: segment
From wordnet.princeton.edu