SECTION

Section is a generic term used to denote a distinct part of a larger whole. The word comes from the Latin sectio, meaning a cutting or division, from secare, to cut. Its usage spans many disciplines, reflecting the common idea of a defined unit within a structure.

In writing and publishing, a section is a subdivision of a document, article, or book used to organize content and enable precise reference. Sections are commonly numbered and may have titles; subsections provide further division and detail.

In law and governance, a section is a defined subdivision of statutes, regulations, or constitutions. References to a particular section guide readers to specific provisions, rights, duties, or procedures within a legal framework.

In science and engineering, a cross-section is a view or sample obtained by cutting through an object. Sections are used in anatomy to examine internal structures, in geology to study layered formations, and in engineering drawings to convey hidden details.

In music, a section is a self-contained part of a composition, such as a verse, chorus, or bridge; sectional form describes how these parts repeat or contrast to shape the piece.

In mathematics and related fields, a section has specialized meanings, such as a function that selects a point from each fiber in a fiber bundle, or a cross-section of a geometric object. Across disciplines, the core idea remains a defined unit or slice within a larger whole.