compartment

UK: kəmˈpɑːtmənt | US: kəmˈpɑːrtmənt

Definition
  1. n. a separate section or space within a larger structure (e.g., a train compartment)

  2. n. a distinct part or category of something (e.g., compartment of knowledge)

Structure
com <together>part <section>ment <noun suffix>
Etymology

The word "compartment" originates from Latin compartiri ("to divide into parts"), combining com- (intensifying "together") and part- (from pars, meaning "section"). The suffix -ment was added in Middle French to form a noun indicating the result of an action. Over time, it evolved to mean a subdivided space or conceptual category, reflecting its root idea of "divided sections united within a whole."

Examples
  1. She stored her luggage in the overhead compartment of the train.

  2. The laboratory has a separate compartment for hazardous materials.

  3. His mind organized information into neat mental compartments.

  4. The refrigerator has adjustable compartments for different foods.

  5. The ship’s cargo hold was divided into watertight compartments.