partitive Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. noun word (such a `some' or `less') that is used to indicate a part as distinct from a whole
   
2. adjective (Romance languages) relating to or denoting a part of a whole or a quantity that is less than the whole
   
   • a partitive construction
3. adjective indicating or characterized by or serving to create partition or division into parts
   
   • partitive tendencies in education
4. adjective satellite serving to separate or divide into parts
   separative.
   
   • partitive tendencies in education
   • the uniting influence was stronger than the separative

WordNet