separate definition

1. To disunite; to divide; to disconnect; to sever; to part in any manner. "From the fine gold I separate the alloy." (Dryden) "Separate thyself, I pray thee, from me." (Gen. Xiii. 9) "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?" (Rom. Viii. 35)

2. To come between; to keep apart by occupying the space between; to lie between; as, the Mediterranean Sea separates Europe and Africa.

3. To set apart; to select from among others, as for a special use or service. "Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called thaem." (Acts xiii.

<botany> 2) Separated flowers, flowers which have stamens and pistils in separate flowers; diclinous flowers.

Origin: L. Separatus, p. P. Of separare to separate; pfref. Se- aside + parare to make ready, prepare. See Parade, and cf. Sever.