fractionate

1 of 2

verb

frac·​tion·​ate ˈfrak-shə-ˌnāt 

fractionated; fractionating

transitive verb

1

: to separate (a mixture) into different portions especially by a fractional process

2

: to divide or break up

fractionation

ˌfrak-shə-ˈnā-shən 

noun

fractionator

ˈfrak-shə-ˌnā-tər 

noun

fractionator

2 of 2

noun

frac·​tion·​a·​tor

plural -s

: an apparatus for fractionating especially by fractional distillation

Examples of fractionate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Interlune’s system cools the gas down to near absolute zero, using cryogenic distillation to fractionate the two isotopes. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 21 July 2026

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

Word History

Etymology

Verb

fraction + -ate entry 4

First Known Use

Verb

1867, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

fractionate

verb

frac·​tion·​ate ˈfrak-shə-ˌnāt 

fractionated; fractionating

: to separate into different portions

fractionation

ˌfrak-shə-ˈnā-shən 

noun

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)