Webster's English Dictionary

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segregation

seg.re.ga.tion \.seg-ri-'ga--sh*n\ n 1: the act or process of segregating : 
   the state of being segregated  2a: the separation or isolation of a race, 
   class, or ethnic group by enforc ed or voluntary residence in a restricted 
   area, by barriers to social intercourse, by separate educational 
   facilities, or by other discriminatory means 2b: the separation for special 
   treatment or observation of individuals or i tems from a larger group {~ of 
   gifted children into accelerated classes ~ of incorrigibles at a prison}