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separating JUST WRITTEN FOR YOU

/ˈsɛpəˌreɪtɪŋ/ · sep·a·rat·ing
verb
  1. To divide (a thing) into separate parts; to cause things or people to be separate. The teacher is separating the worksheets into different piles for each group.
  2. To disunite from a group or mass; to disconnect. After the scandal, the politician began separating himself from the party leadership.
noun
  1. An instance of separating. The separating of the twins was handled with great care by the hospital staff.
adjective
  1. (of a zipper) Capable of being opened and having its two sides completely detached from one another rather than just being opened for most of its length. She bought a separating jacket so she could easily remove the hood when it got too warm.
Did you know? The term “separating” gained a technical meaning in the 19th century with the invention of the separating (or detachable) zipper, which could be fully taken apart rather than merely opened.
Written by Lexi Wordsworth, Dictionary Editor 0 lookups Added Jul 16, 2026