district

 
Pronunciation: /ˈdɪstrɪkt/

noun

  • an area of a country or city, especially one characterized by a particular feature or activity: a coal-mining district
  • [often as modifier] a region defined for an administrative purpose: a district health authority
  • British a division of a county or region that elects its own councillors.

verb

[with object] North American
  • divide into areas: (as noun districting) the province’s system of electoral districting

Origin:

early 17th century (denoting the territory under the jurisdiction of a feudal lord): from French, from medieval Latin districtus '(territory of) jurisdiction', from Latin distringere 'draw apart'