'fractionation' definitions:

Definition of 'fractionation'

(from WordNet)
noun
A process that uses heat to separate a substance into its components [syn: fractionation, fractional process]
noun
Separation into portions

Definition of 'fractionation'

From: GCIDE
  • fractionation \frac`tion*a"tion\ n. the act or process of separating a mixture into portions of different composition, as in distillation or {fractional crystallization}.
  • Syn: fractional process. [WordNet 1.5 +PJC]
  • 2. (Petroleum industry) Separation of crude oil into components of differing composition by {fractional distillation}. [PJC]