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segmentary

segmentary

7.9
A system with separate parts that work on their own
  • adjective
  • /ˈsɛɡmənˌtɛri/
translation icon : segmentario
  • The segmentary nature of the project meant that different teams worked on separate parts independently.
  • segmentary lineage
  • segmentary structure

Examples

  • In the traditional segmentary system, no leader had power over his followers solely by virtue of a position in a political hierarchy.

    Academic text (1992)
  • Moreover, segmentary structures are not precapitalist or premodern relics; they have coexisted and flourished with modernity and capitalism.

    Academic text (2008)
  • The conflict itself was produced by the corporate and segmentary structure, but the conflict between elders and youth was experienced in individual terms.

    Academic text (2000)
  • All these possibilities are entailed in the segmentary model of the social order.

    Academic text (1990)
  • Villagers do not often explicitly acknowledge these segmentary properties.

    Academic text (1990)
  • Non-tribal: Streams are not completely self-sufficient, though, in the sense of segmentary tribes.

    Blog text (34)
  • The segmentary nature of GUMs and their orientation toward networking can make them almost imperceptible as movements.

    Academic text (2008)
  • Contemporary anthropological accounts have focused on tribe-state relations and on tribes as construed within segmentary lineage theory.

    Academic text (1995)
  • The Zapatistas, for example, consider segmentary networking along the traditional model of "bees" and "ants" to be an end in itself, noting that such organizing empowers communities.

    Academic text (2008)
  • Maya activism has changed form repeatedly over the centuries but has always featured grassroots networking and a segmentary mobilization structure.

    Academic text (2008)

Synonyms

sectional
vssegmentary
2 4.4

Having separate parts that join together or work by themselves

focuses on being made of separate parts rather than on modular rearrangement
compartmented
vssegmentary
1 5.5

Divided into smaller sections like boxes or rooms

describes being composed of separate parts without implying enclosed separation
compartmentalized
vssegmentary
1 7.0

Organized so different parts do not share information

means being made of separate parts without suggesting restricted interaction
atomistic
vssegmentary
1 9.1

Viewing a group or system as separate, independent parts rather than a whole

describes physical separate parts without implying an analytical or philosophical stance
separative
vssegmentary
1 7.7

Causing things to be divided into parts

describes being composed of separate parts rather than an action to divide
sectioned
vssegmentary
3.9

Divided into parts to keep things separate, for example a plate with compartments

describes being composed of separate parts without stressing clear sectioning
segmented
vssegmentary
5.5

With a body made of several similar parts, like a worm or insect

is about being made of separate parts in general not only bodies
segmental
vssegmentary
  • Specialized
7.1

Relating to separate speech sounds like vowels and consonants

is more general about separate parts across fields rather than only speech
multisegmental
vssegmentary
6.8

Made of several connected parts or sections

describes being composed of separate parts without stressing quantity or number
partite
vssegmentary
  • Specialized
8.8

Divided into separate parts or sections

applies to separate parts generally without the technical or formal emphasis
compartmental
vssegmentary
7.4

Organized into separate parts with little connection

is the general idea of separate parts without implying compartment use
subdivisional
vssegmentary
  • Specialized
6.4

Relating to dividing a beat in music into smaller parts to play rhythms correctly

is about being composed of separate parts rather than the process of dividing

Antonyms

1.0

Complete and not broken or divided

127 4.1

Different parts join to make one whole

How Segmented

segmented
5.5
segmentary
7.9
divided
3.0
undivided
  • Specialized
2 4.7

Surface Forms

segmentary positive

Morphology

segmentary = segment (transparent) = segment + ary

Formed by the noun 'segment' + the adjectival suffix '-ary' meaning 'relating to', so the meaning is directly derived and predictable.

Etymology

Segmentary comes from the familiar word segment, which means 'a cut' or 'a piece', like a slice of an orange. So segmentary describes something made of separate 'parts' or sections.