# fractionation

> English word · Noun · frequency rank #61,476

## Definitions
1. A separation process in which a certain quantity of a mixture is divided up into smaller quantities (fractions) in which the composition changes according to a gradient; an instance of this process.
2. The division of a total dose of radiation into fractions.
3. A preliminary stage of encryption that divides each plaintext symbol into several ciphertext symbols.
4. A form of hypnosis where the patient is made to enter and leave a trance state many times in quick succession.

## Etymology
By surface analysis, fraction + -ation, or, by surface analysis, fractionate + -ion.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/fractionation