Segment

Definition

Segment refers to a part of something that is separated or distinguished from the whole, particularly a section or part of a physical structure or object, or a part of a market or population group distinguished from the whole.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈsɛɡmənt/
• Respelling: SEG-ment (with "SEG" as in "beg," and "ment" as in "menthol" without the "hol")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈsɛɡmənt/
• Respelling: SEG-ment (similar to American English, with "SEG" as in "beg," and "ment" as in "menthol" without the "hol")

In both dialects, "segment" is pronounced with primary stress on the first syllable, "SEG." The pronunciation is consistent across both American and British English, reflecting the word's structure and emphasis.

Etymology

The term segment originates from the Latin segmentum, which is from secare, meaning 'to cut'.

Derivatives

• Segmentation
• Segmental
• Segmented
• Segmenter
• Dissegment

Synonyms

• Section
• Part
• Portion

Antonyms

• Whole
• Entirety
• Aggregate

Usage

The word segment is widely used across different fields to denote a part or section separated from the larger whole. This separation can be physical, as in a segment of an orange, or conceptual, as in market segmentation.

Related Terms

• Segmental
• Segmentation
• Subsegment

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Physical Division:A piece or part of something that is separated from the larger whole, often by physical means.‍
• Example: She peeled the orange and handed me a segment.

• Conceptual Division: A subdivision of a larger whole based on specific characteristics or criteria, often used in a strategic or analytical context.‍
• Example: The company targeted the young adult segment of the market with its new advertising campaign.

Verb

• Divide into Segments: To separate into parts or sections based on particular characteristics, often to analyze or manage more effectively.‍
• Example: The market research team will segment the audience based on purchasing behavior.

• Separate Physically:To cut or break something into smaller parts or pieces.‍
• Example: Use a sharp knife to segment the grapefruit without crushing the fruit.