fractionation [´frak·shǝ`nā·shǝn] CHEMISTRY Separation of a mixture in successive stages, each stage removing from the mixture some proportion of one of the substances, as by differential solubility in water-solvent mixtures. NUCLEONICS Alterations in the isotopic composition of substances found in nature or in radioactive weapon debris, which result from small differences in the physical and chemical properties of isotopes of an element. PETROLOGY See <<fractional crystallization>> |