Origin: Latin suffix -tion
Segmentation has 3 different meanings across 1 category:
(embryology) the repeated division of a fertilised ovum
"During early embryonic development, segmentation refers to the rapid and repeated division of the fertilized ovum into smaller cells called blastomeres."
the act of dividing or partitioning; separation by the creation of a boundary that divides or keeps apart
"The new software update introduced segmentation in the database, creating distinct boundaries between user data and system logs."
The act or an instance of dividing into segments
"The video editor began segmentation by splitting the long recording into shorter, manageable clips."
In plain English: Segmentation is when you divide something into separate parts to study them better.
"The marketing team used customer segmentation to target ads more effectively."
Usage: In technical contexts, segmentation often refers specifically to data partitioning rather than physical division. Avoid using it as a verb; use "segment" instead if you need to describe the action.
The word segmentation comes from combining Latin segmentum, meaning a cut or piece, with the suffix -ation. It entered English to describe the process of dividing something into distinct parts.