fragment// fragments, fragmenting, fragmented
 
1 A fragment of something is a small piece or part of it.
...a small fragment of bone.
This was only a fragment out of a long conversation with John.                       COUNT N
 
2 If something fragments or is fragmented, it breaks or separates into small pieces.
Farms are constantly being fragmented into smaller holdings.                         ERG VB
· fragmentation
This led to its fragmentation into eight independent parties.                            UNCOUNT N