segmentary
Definition
segmentary (adjective)
- Divided into or composed of segments: Relating to or characterized by being made up of distinct parts or sections, often in a systematic or structural manner.
- Relating to a social structure based on segments: In anthropology, describing a society or political system organized into smaller, often autonomous, units (e.g., clans, lineages) that can join or separate for various functions.
Usage Examples
- (The body is composed of separate segments.)
- (The social structure was based on distinct, autonomous units.)
Advanced Usage
- "segmentary opposition": A concept in social anthropology where segments of a society (e.g., lineages) align or oppose each other based on context, such as in feuds or alliances.
- In a segmentary society, segmentary opposition means that two brothers may unite against a cousin, but the two brothers may oppose each other in other matters. (Alliances shift depending on the level of relationship.)
Variants and Related Words
- Segment (n): a part or section of something.
- Each segment of the orange was juicy. (Each separate piece.)
- Segmentation (n): the process of dividing into segments.
- Market segmentation helps companies target specific customer groups. (Division into distinct categories.)
- Segmental (adj): relating to or consisting of segments.
- Segmental fractures in the bone require careful treatment. (Fractures occurring in distinct sections.)
Synonyms
- Divided: separated into parts.
- Sectional: relating to or composed of sections.
- Partitive: expressing division or partition.
Related Idioms