adj., n., & v.
adj. (often foll. by from) forming a unit that is or may be regarded as apart or by itself; physically disconnected, distinct, or individual (living in separate rooms; the two questions are essentially separate).
n. 1 (in pl.) separate articles of clothing suitable for wearing together in various combinations. 2 an offprint.
v. 1 tr. make separate, sever, disunite. 2 tr. prevent union or contact of. 3 intr. go different ways, disperse. 4 intr. cease to live together as a married couple. 5 intr. (foll. by from) secede. 6 tr. a divide or sort (milk, ore, fruit, light, etc.) into constituent parts or sizes. b (often foll. by out) extract or remove (an ingredient, waste product, etc.) by such a process for use or rejection. 7 tr. US discharge, dismiss. separately adv. separateness n. separative adj. separatory adj.
[ L separare separat- (as SE-, parare make ready) ]