Segmente

Segmente is the plural form of the noun segment in German, used to denote a part that makes up a larger whole. The term appears across disciplines to refer to discrete portions, units or sections.

In mathematics and geometry, a segment is a clearly bounded portion of a geometric object. This includes line segments, which are portions of a straight line defined by two endpoints, as well as segments of curves or circles (for example, a circular segment bounded by a chord and an arc). In German-language texts, these parts are referred to collectively as Segmente when discussing more than one.

In computing and information technology, Segmente can denote subdivisions of data, memory, or network topology. Examples include memory segments, data segments within executable files, or network segments that divide a larger network for management or security purposes.

In biology and anatomy, segments refer to repeating modules of an organism’s body plan, such as the metameric segmentation seen in annelids and arthropods. German scientific literature often uses Segmente to describe individual metameres within a segmented organism.

In linguistics, segments are discrete sound units such as phonemes or phones. When analyzing a corpus, researchers may refer to multiple Segmente to discuss phonological inventory or segmental structure.

Etymology: Segmente comes from segmentum in Latin, via German usage, and corresponds to the English term segments.