Fractionated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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fractionated

[หˆfrรฆkสƒษ™neษชtษชd ]

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 wormโ€™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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'fractionated'

Main points about word origin

  • '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.

The term 'fractionated' is derived from the word 'fractionate', which originated in the early 20th century from the Latin word 'fractus', meaning 'broken'. The concept of fractionation has been widely used in various fields such as chemistry, psychology, and biology to describe the process of dividing or separating something into smaller parts.


See also: fractional, fractionalized, fractionary, fractions.

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.