fractionate
verb
frac·tion·ate
ˈfrak-shə-ˌnāt 
fractionated; fractionating
1
: to separate (a mixture) into different portions especially by a fractional process
2
: to divide or break up
Examples of fractionate in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The researchers used a single high radiation dose, whereas human treatments are usually fractionated – that is, given in smaller doses over time.
—
New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2025
Dent corn is fractionated into its various elements (starch, protein/germ, oil and moisture).
—WWD, 16 Oct. 2024
The initial wave fractionated into smaller 25-foot waves, which reverberated across the fjord for over a week.
—Carly Miller, Forbes, 23 Sep. 2024
In this relational void, where the story often feels fractionated rather than woven, the wildfire itself emerges as the book's main character.
—Amy Brady, Scientific American, 1 June 2023
Native uses wholesome ingredients like shea butter, tapioca starch, and fractionated coconut oil (which is less messy and absorbs more easily into your skin than regular coconut oil).
—Leeron Horry, Popular Science, 25 Oct. 2019
Buzz: With the help of Botox and fractionated lasers, doctors can erase lines and wrinkles on the chest and even sharpen the appearance of cleavage.
—Harper's Bazaar Staff, Harper's BAZAAR, 13 Dec. 2018
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2025
Dent corn is fractionated into its various elements (starch, protein/germ, oil and moisture).
—WWD, 16 Oct. 2024
The initial wave fractionated into smaller 25-foot waves, which reverberated across the fjord for over a week.
—Carly Miller, Forbes, 23 Sep. 2024
In this relational void, where the story often feels fractionated rather than woven, the wildfire itself emerges as the book's main character.
—Amy Brady, Scientific American, 1 June 2023
Native uses wholesome ingredients like shea butter, tapioca starch, and fractionated coconut oil (which is less messy and absorbs more easily into your skin than regular coconut oil).
—Leeron Horry, Popular Science, 25 Oct. 2019
Buzz: With the help of Botox and fractionated lasers, doctors can erase lines and wrinkles on the chest and even sharpen the appearance of cleavage.
—Harper's Bazaar Staff, Harper's BAZAAR, 13 Dec. 2018
Cite this Entry
“Fractionate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fractionate. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
fractionate
verb
frac·tion·ate
ˈfrak-shə-ˌnāt
fractionated; fractionating
: to separate into different portions
Medical Definition
fractionate
transitive verb
frac·tion·ate
-shə-ˌnāt
fractionated; fractionating
: to separate (as a mixture) into different portions (as by distillation or precipitation)
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share