partition
UK /pɑːˈtɪ.ʃən/ · US /pɑɹˈtɪ.ʃən/ noun, verb
Forms partitions partitioning partitioned
- noun An action which divides a thing into parts, or separates one thing from another. “the partitions of Poland”
- noun A part of something that has been divided. “the Russian Partition”
- noun (mathematics) An approach to division in which one asks what the size of each part is, rather than (as in quotition) how many parts there are.
- noun The division of a territory into two or more autonomous ones. “Monarchies where partition isn't prohibited risk weakening through parcellation and civil wars between the heirs.”
- noun A vertical structure that divides a room. “a brick partition; lath and plaster partitions”
- noun That which divides or separates; that by which different things, or distinct parts of the same thing, are separated; boundary; dividing line or space.
- noun A part divided off by walls; an apartment; a compartment.
- noun (law) The severance of common or undivided interests, particularly in real estate. It may be effected by consent of parties, or by compulsion of law.
- verb To divide something into parts, sections or shares. “to partition a hard drive”
- verb To divide a region or country into two or more territories with separate political status. “Poland was progressively partitioned by Russia, Austria, and Prussia in the late 18th century.”
- verb To separate or divide a room by a partition (ex. a wall), often use with off.
Synonyms
dismemberment dismember divider division partitioning segmentation sectionalization sectionalisation partition off zone
Etymology
Recorded c.1430, "division into shares, distinction," from Middle English particioun, from Old French particion (modern partition), from Latin partitio, partitionem (“division, portion”), from partitus, the past participle of partire (“to split (up), part(ition)”).
Webster’s 1913
- noun The act of parting or dividing; the state of being parted; separation; division; distribution; as, the partition of a kingdom.
- noun That which divides or separates; that by which different things, or distinct parts of the same thing, are separated; separating boundary; dividing line or space; specifically, an interior wall dividing one part or apartment of a house, an inclosure, or the like, from another; as, a brick partition; lath and plaster partitions.
- verb To divide into parts or shares; to divide and distribute; as, to partition an estate among various heirs.
- verb To divide into distinct parts by lines, walls, etc.; as, to partition a house.
Etymology [F. partition, L. partitio. See Part, v.]
Sources: Wiktionary · WordNet 3.0 · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “partition”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details