fragmentation
UK: /ˌfræɡ.mənˈteɪ.ʃən/ | US: /ˌfræɡ.mənˈteɪ.ʃən/
n. the process or state of breaking or being broken into small or separate parts
n. (computing) the division of data into smaller pieces for storage or transmission
n. (sociology/politics) the division of groups or systems into disconnected units
The word "fragmentation" derives from the Latin fragmentum (a broken piece), which comes from frangere (to break). The root fragment retains its core meaning of "piece" or "broken part," while the suffix -ation transforms it into a noun denoting the process or result of breaking. The term evolved to describe physical, digital, and abstract divisions, reflecting its logical progression from literal breakage to metaphorical disintegration.
The fragmentation of the glass made it dangerous to handle.
Disk fragmentation can slow down your computer's performance.
Political fragmentation often leads to unstable governance.
The artist used fragmentation of shapes to create a dynamic composition.
Habitat fragmentation threatens biodiversity by isolating species.