/fik say"sheuhn/ , n.
1. the act of fixing or the state of being fixed.
2. Chem.
a. reduction from a volatile or fluid to a stable or solid form.
b. the process of converting atmospheric nitrogen into a useful compound, as a nitrate fertilizer.
3. Photog. the process of rendering an image permanent by removal of light-sensitive silver halides.
4. Psychoanal. a partial arrest of emotional and instinctual development at an early point in life, due to a severe traumatic experience or an overwhelming gratification.
5. a preoccupation with one subject, issue, etc.; obsession: All her life she had a fixation on stories of violent death.
[ 1350-1400; ME fixacion fixation- (s. of fixatio ) a reduction to a fixed state. See FIX, -ATION ]