/frak"sheuh nayt'/ , v.t., fractionated, fractionating .
1. to separate or divide into component parts, fragments, divisions, etc.
2. to separate (a mixture) into ingredients or into portions having different properties, as by distillation or crystallization; cause to undergo fractional distillation, crystallization, or the like.
3. to obtain by such a process.
[ 1865-70; FRACTION + -ATE 1 ]