Frakcija

Frakcija is a term used in several South Slavic languages (such as Croatian, Bosnian, Serbian, and Slovenian) with multiple related meanings, depending on context. It commonly denotes a faction or subgroup within a larger organization or movement, and can refer to a group that shares a particular political line, interest, or set of goals. In politics, a frakcija may operate as an organized caucus or parliamentary group, influencing debates, votes, and policy formulation, and it may form, split, or align with other factions.

In mathematics and related fields, frakcija means fraction, a part of a whole expressed as a ratio or numerator over a denominator. This sense is used in everyday language as well as in scientific writing. In chemistry and physics, the term also appears in the concept of a fraction or component of a mixture that can be separated by processes such as distillation or chromatographic methods; for example, crude oil is processed into various fractions like gasoline or kerosene.

Etymology generally traces frakcija to Latin fractio, meaning “a breaking,” with subsequent borrowing into the South Slavic languages via European linguistic paths. The exact historical path can vary by language, but the core idea—division into parts or groups—remains central.

Usage notes: the intended meaning depends on field and context. Without context, frakcija can refer to a social-political faction or to a mathematical/chemical fraction.