This root suggests the idea of separation or division, which is reflected in its various meanings:
* A group of people with distinctive religious or philosophical beliefs: This is the most common meaning of "sect." Think of a religious sect like the Amish or a philosophical sect like the Stoics.
* A subdivision or division: This meaning applies to areas like biology ("plant sect") or science ("sect of physics").
* To cut or sever: This meaning is less common in modern English but is still used in some contexts, such as "to sect a tree" (meaning to cut it down).
Examples of words using the root "sect":
* Sectarian: Relating to a sect or its beliefs.
* Sectionalism: Excessive devotion to local or regional interests.
* Sects: Groups with distinctive beliefs.
* Bisection: The act of dividing something into two parts.
* Dissect: To cut apart and examine closely.
Understanding the root "sect" helps to grasp the meaning of many words related to separation, division, and distinct groups.