sectionalize

Sectionalize is a verb meaning to divide something into sections or into discrete parts. It is used in general language to describe the process of partitioning a thing—such as a document, a plan, a dataset, or a physical structure—into clearly defined segments or sections. The term derives from section plus the suffix -alize, signaling a formal act of dividing or organizing.

In common usage, sectionalizing a document means structuring it with sections and subsections to facilitate reading and reference. In data analysis, sectionalizing data means partitioning it into regions, time intervals, or categories for comparison or analysis. In design, architecture, and engineering, the term can refer to dividing a project or system into manageable sections for construction, testing, or evaluation.

Electrical engineering usage: In power distribution, sectionalizing refers to the deliberate partitioning of a circuit into separate sections using protective devices such as sectionalizers or switches to isolate a fault. Forming a boundary around the faulted area limits the outage to the smallest possible portion of the network while preserving service to other sections. This technique improves reliability and speeds restoration. Sectionalizers typically operate automatically when fault conditions are detected and are coordinated with other protection devices in the system.

See also: section, segmentation, partition, sectionalizer.