v. seg·re·gat·ed, seg·re·gat·ing, seg·re·gates v.tr. 1. To separate or isolate from others or from a main body or group. See Synonyms at isolate. 2. To cause (people or institutions, for example) to be separated on the basis of race, sex, religion, or another factor. v.intr. 1. To become separated or distinguished: animals that segregate into male and female herds when not in mating season. 2. To practice a policy of racial segregation. 3. Genetics To undergo genetic segregation. adj. (-gĭt, -gāt′) Separated; isolated. [Latin sēgregāre, sēgregāt- : sē-, apart; see s(w)e- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots + grex, greg-, flock; see ger- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] segre·ga′tive adj. segre·ga′tor n. |
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