COMMINUTION

Etymology

Noun

comminution (countable and uncountable, plural comminutions)

(often, mining, waste management) The breaking or grinding up of a material to form smaller particles.

(traumatology) The fracture of a bone site in multiple pieces (technically, at least three); crumbling.

Usage notes

In traumatology, comminution is to be distinguished from a compound or open fracture, though fractures which are both comminuted and compound do occur.

Synonyms

• (breaking or grinding up of a material): crushing, pulverization

Source: Wiktionary

Com`mi*nu"tion, n.

1. The act of reducing to a fine powder or to small particles; pulverization; the state of being comminuted. Bentley.

2. (Surg.)

Definition: Fracture (of a bone) into a number of pieces. Dunglison.

3. Gradual diminution by the removal of small particles at a time; a lessening; a wearing away. Natural and necessary comminution of our lives. Johnson.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition