a process of distillation so conducted that a mixture of liquids, differing considerably from each other in
their boiling points, can be separated into its constituents.
Fractionally
(Frac"tion*al*ly), adv. By fractions or separate portions; as, to distill a liquid fractionally, that
is, so as to separate different portions.
Fractionary
(Frac"tion*a*ry) a. Fractional. [Obs.]
Fractionate
(Frac"tion*ate) v. t. To separate into different portions or fractions, as in the distillation of
liquids.
Fractious
(Frac"tious) a. [Cf. Prov. E. frack forward, eager, E. freak, fridge; or Prov. E. fratch to squabble,
quarrel.] Apt to break out into a passion; apt to scold; cross; snappish; ugly; unruly; as, a fractious man; a
fractious horse.
Syn. — Snappish; peevish; waspish; cross; irritable; perverse; pettish.
— Frac"tious*ly, v. — Frac"tious*ness, n.
Fractural
(Frac"tur*al) a. Pertaining to, or consequent on, a fracture. [R.]
Fracture
(Frac"ture) n. [L. fractura, fr. frangere, fractum, to break: cf. F. fracture. See Fraction.]
1. The act of breaking or snapping asunder; rupture; breach.
2. (Surg.) The breaking of a bone.
3. (Min.) The texture of a freshly broken surface; as, a compact fracture; an even, hackly, or conchoidal
fracture.
Comminuted fracture (Surg.), a fracture in which the bone is broken into several parts. — Complicated
fracture (Surg.), a fracture of the bone combined with the lesion of some artery, nervous trunk, or
joint. — Compound fracture (Surg.), a fracture in which there is an open wound from the surface
down to the fracture. — Simple fracture (Surg.), a fracture in which the bone only is ruptured. It
does not communicate with the surface by an open wound.
Syn. — Fracture, Rupture. These words denote different kinds of breaking, according to the objects
to which they are applied. Fracture is applied to hard substances; as, the fracture of a bone. Rupture
is oftener applied to soft substances; as, the rupture of a blood vessel. It is also used figuratively. "To
be an enemy and once to have been a friend, does it not embitter the rupture?" South.
Fracture
(Frac"ture) v. t. [imp. & p. p. Fractured (#; 135); p. pr. & vb. n.. Fracturing.] [Cf. F. fracturer.]
To cause a fracture or fractures in; to break; to burst asunder; to crack; to separate the continuous parts
of; as, to fracture a bone; to fracture the skull.
