compartment

¹com·part·ment

noun \kəm-ˈpärt-mənt\

Definition of COMPARTMENT

1

: a separate division or section

2

: one of the parts into which an enclosed space is divided

— com·part·men·tal \kəm-ˌpärt-ˈmen-t^əl, ˌkäm-\ adjective

Examples of COMPARTMENT

1. The suitcase has a zippered compartment for personal items.
2. The refrigerator has a separate compartment for meats.

Origin of COMPARTMENT

Middle French compartiment, from Italian compartimento, from compartire to mark out in parts, from Late Latin compartiri to share out, from Latin com- + partiri to share, from part-, pars part, share

First Known Use: circa 1578

Related to COMPARTMENT

Synonyms: bay, cabin, cell, chamber, cube, cubicle

Related Words: cubbyhole, pigeonhole, snuggery [chiefly British]; alcove, niche, nook, recess; cabinet, drawer, locker; cavity, hole, hollow; booth, box, crib, loge, stall; bunker, crypt, vault

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Rhymes with COMPARTMENT

apartment, department