partition (n.) Look up partition at Dictionary.com
early 15c., "division into shares, distinction," from Old French particion (12c.), from Latin partitionem (nominative partitio) "a sharing, division, partition, distribution; method of dividing," from past participle stem of partire "to part" (see part (v.)). Sense of "that which separates" first recorded late 15c.
partition (v.) Look up partition at Dictionary.com
1741, from partition (n.). Related: Partitioned; partitioning.