Meaning

(chemistry) To separate (a mixture) into its individual constituents by exploiting differences in some chemical or physical property, such as boiling point, particle size, solubility etc..

Definitions by Sense

1. (chemistry) To separate (a mixture) into its individual constituents by exploiting differences in some chemical or physical property, such as boiling point, particle size, solubility etc.
2. (radiotherapy) To divide a total dose of radiation into fractions.
3. (cryptography) To divide each plaintext symbol into several ciphertext symbols as a preliminary stage of encryption.
4. To use the technique of fractionation in hypnosis.

Example Sentences

Crude oil is fractionated in a refinery to produce a number of different petroleum products.

Word Forms

• fractionates
• fractionating
• fractionated

Related Words

When Should You Use Fractionate?

Use fractionate when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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