fractionation

American  

[frak-shuh-ney-shuhn] / ˌfræk ʃəˈneɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act or process of fractionating.

2. the state of being fractionated.

3. Military. the division of a missile's payload into several warheads.

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fractionation Scientific  

/ frăk′shə-nā′shən /

1. The separation of a chemical compound into components by fractional crystallization or fractional distillation.

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Etymology

Origin of fractionation

First recorded in 1925–30; fractionate + -ion

Example Sentences

Keyera’s planned takeover, unveiled in June of last year, would establish a natural-gas-liquids corridor in Canada for the company, with assets that include extraction, fractionation and storage operations, as well as rail and truck terminals.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026

The study, titled "Extreme triple oxygen isotope fractionation in Equisetum," examines horsetails, which are hollow-stemmed plants that have existed on the planet for more than 400 million years.

From Science Daily • Nov. 13, 2025

“As a result, that kind of fractionation really doesn’t help you understand either the level of investment very directly, or the impact,” Wayburn said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 11, 2024

During the quarter, the company saw operational records for natural gas pipeline volumes and natural gas liquids fractionation volumes.

From Reuters • Aug. 1, 2023

Another method of preparing argon is by fractionation of liquid air.

From The New Gresham Encyclopedia. Vol. 1 Part 2 Amiel to Atrauli by Various