fractionate

[ frak-shuh-neyt ]

verb (used with object)

, frac·tion·at·ed, frac·tion·at·ing.

1. to separate or divide into component parts, fragments, divisions, etc.
2. to separate (a mixture) into ingredients or into portions having different properties, as by distillation or crystallization; cause to undergo fractional distillation, crystallization, or the like.
3. to obtain by such a process.

fractionate

/ ˈfrækʃəˌneɪt /

verb

1. to separate or cause to separate into constituents or into fractions containing concentrated constituents
2. tr chem to obtain (a constituent of a mixture) by a fractional process

Derived Forms

• ˌfractionˈation, noun
• ˈfractionˌator, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of fractionate¹

First recorded in 1865–70; fraction + -ate ¹

Example Sentences

During reactions in nature, for example the expulsion from volcanism, deposition from the atmosphere, and the uptake by organisms, Hg-isotopes can become fractionated, enriching one pool in heavier isotopes, and others in lighter isotopes.

From Science Daily

"And if there's less precipitation, the isotopes are going to fractionate differently than normal," he said.

From Science Daily

In this relational void, where the story often feels fractionated rather than woven, the wildfire itself emerges as the book's main character.

From Scientific American

In today’s world of fractionated media, the celebrity status once enjoyed by Truman Capote, Gore Vidal and Norman Mailer may be impossible to duplicate.

From Washington Post

“Today’s Democratic Party is far more fractionated with all kinds of divisions,” Mr. Kennedy said.

From New York Times