Fractionated: meaning, definitions and examples

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fractionated

 

[ˈfrækʃəneɪtɪd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in chemistry

Divided into parts or fractions, especially referring to the separation of a mixture into its component parts.

Synonyms

divided, segmented, separated.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fractionated

Usually used in scientific or technical contexts, especially when referring to the process of breaking something down into smaller parts or fractions.

  • The crude oil was fractionated into various components.
  • The protein was fractionated to study its structure.
separated

Typically used when referring to the process of keeping things or people apart. This word can also carry a negative connotation when talking about relationships or social contexts.

  • The substances were separated in the lab.
  • After the argument, the couple decided to live separated for a while.
divided

General term when something is split into parts. Commonly used in day-to-day conversations and various contexts.

  • The cake was divided among the children.
  • The country was divided by war.
segmented

Often used in reference to something that is divided into clear, distinct sections or segments.

  • The marketing report was segmented by demographic groups.
  • The worm’s body was segmented into several parts.

Examples of usage

  • The fractionated liquid was then analyzed to determine the concentration of each component.
  • After the fractionated distillation process, the different fractions were collected for further processing.
Context #2 | Adjective

in psychology

Divided or fragmented into different parts, often used to describe a person's psyche or consciousness.

Synonyms

disintegrated, dissociated, fragmented.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fractionated

Use when something is divided into smaller, equal parts, often in scientific or technical settings.

  • The chemist fractionated the mixture to isolate the pure substance.
  • The company fractionated the production process to increase efficiency.
fragmented

Used to describe something that is broken into smaller pieces, often irregularly or destructively.

  • The glass fragmented into tiny shards.
  • The narrative of the film was fragmented and hard to follow.
disintegrated

Best used when something breaks down into smaller pieces, often with a sense of collapsing or falling apart completely.

  • The old building disintegrated over time due to neglect.
  • The relationship disintegrated after many arguments.
dissociated

Appropriate when elements are separated from a whole, often used in psychological or scientific terms.

  • The scientist studied how the molecule dissociated in the solution.
  • He felt dissociated from his past experiences.

Examples of usage

  • The patient's mind was fractionated, with conflicting thoughts and emotions pulling in different directions.
  • Through therapy, the individual was able to integrate the fractionated aspects of their personality.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 'Fractionated' comes from the word 'fraction,' which is rooted in the Latin word 'fractio,' meaning 'to break.'
  • The prefix 'fraction-' relates to division or breaking into smaller units, often used in mathematics and chemistry.
  • In English, 'fractionation' is often used when talking about dividing liquids into different parts based on their properties.

Science

  • In chemistry, the term is commonly used to describe the process of separating mixtures through methods like distillation.
  • In pharmacology, fractionated medications allow for personalized treatment by breaking down compounds to target specific effects.
  • Fractionation is also crucial in environmental science, helping in the analysis and cleanup of pollutants by isolating harmful substances.

Psychology

  • In psychological research, fractionation can refer to techniques used to alternate states or experiences to understand cognitive functions.
  • Some therapeutic practices utilize fractionation to help patients access different emotional states during therapy sessions.
  • The concept can also be observed in memory studies, where experiences can be split into segments to better understand retention and recall.

Pop Culture

  • The concept of fractionation appears in television and movies, particularly in storylines that explore the idea of splitting realities or timelines.
  • In music production, fractional beats and samples can create unique soundscapes, showcasing the essence of breaking down sound into smaller elements.
  • Reality TV often uses editing techniques that could be seen as fractionating participants' stories to fit narrative arcs.

Education

  • Fractionated learning techniques in education involve breaking down complex subjects into smaller, digestible parts to enhance understanding.
  • This approach is often used in educational games to engage students by presenting information in more manageable and engaging formats.
  • Teachers often encourage fractionation in studies, helping students make connections between concepts by breaking them into smaller, related pieces.

Translations

Translations of the word "fractionated" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fracionado

🇮🇳 विभाजित

🇩🇪 fraktioniert

🇮🇩 terfraksi

🇺🇦 фракціонований

🇵🇱 frakcjonowany

🇯🇵 分留された

🇫🇷 fractionné

🇪🇸 fraccionado

🇹🇷 fraksiyonlanmış

🇰🇷 분류된

🇸🇦 مجزأ

🇨🇿 frakcionovaný

🇸🇰 frakcionovaný

🇨🇳 分馏的

🇸🇮 frakcioniran

🇮🇸 brotabrotinn

🇰🇿 фракцияланған

🇬🇪 გაფრაქცირებული

🇦🇿 fraksiyalı

🇲🇽 fraccionado

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,762, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.