Main Entry: seg·men·ta·tion

Pronunciation: \ˌseg-(ˌ)men-ˈtā-shən\

Function: noun

1 : the act or process of dividing into segments ; especially : the formation of many cells from a single cell (as in a developing egg)
2 : annular contraction of smooth muscle (as of the intestine) that seems to cut the part affected into segments—compare peristalsis