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section

n. · v.
US //ˈsɛkʃən// UK //sˈɛkʃən// sec·tion
  1. 1 a part of a whole (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    one of the parts that something is divided into.

    a distinct part or subdivision of a larger object, entity, or concept.

    Example

    The library has a large section dedicated to local history and old maps.

    Example

    The residential section of the city has seen significant investment in public parks and cycling infrastructure over the last decade.
  2. 2 part of a document (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Academic Formal Law

    a specific part of a book, report, or legal document.

    a distinct, often numbered or titled, portion of a written work or legal statute.

    Example

    Please read the first section of the contract before you sign it.

    Example

    Under section four of the new legislation, small businesses are eligible for a significant reduction in annual licensing fees.
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  1. 3 a cross-section view (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Science

    a drawing that shows what the inside of something looks like if you cut through it.

    a representation of an object as it would appear if cut through by an intersecting plane.

    Example

    The diagram shows a section of the human heart to explain how blood flows.

    Example

    The geological section revealed several distinct layers of sedimentary rock, providing a clear timeline of the region's environmental shifts.
  2. 4 orchestra group (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Music

    a group of similar instruments in an orchestra.

    a group of players in an orchestra or band who play the same family of instruments.

    Example

    The brass section was very loud during the final part of the symphony.

    Example

    The conductor asked the string section to play with more delicacy during the second movement to allow the woodwinds to be heard.
  3. 5 military unit (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Military

    a small group of soldiers that is part of a larger team.

    a small tactical military unit, typically consisting of ten to fifteen soldiers.

    Example

    The sergeant led his section through the forest during the training exercise.

    Example

    The infantry section was tasked with securing the bridgehead until the rest of the platoon could arrive with heavy equipment.
  4. 6 to divide into parts (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to cut or divide something into smaller pieces.

    to divide or separate something into distinct parts or segments.

    Example

    The chef sectioned the orange before adding it to the salad.

    Example

    The land was sectioned into smaller plots to be sold to individual developers for the new housing project.
  5. 7 medical commitment (v.)
    C1 Advanced British English Formal Medicine

    to officially send someone to a mental hospital because they are not safe.

    to compulsorily admit a person to a psychiatric hospital under a specific legal act.

    Example

    The doctor decided to section the patient for their own safety.

    Example

    After a thorough psychiatric evaluation, the authorities determined it was necessary to section the individual under the Mental Health Act.

    Usage

    Often used in the passive voice: 'to be sectioned'.

    Teacher's tip

    This is a very specific legal and medical term in the UK; in the US, people might say 'involuntarily committed' instead.
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.

Word family

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