compartmentations

Noun

compartmentation (plural compartmentations)

1. So as to prevent the spread of fire within a structure.
   • The fire spread rapidly after the building's compartmentation failed.
2. So as to prevent the spread of water (or rarely, another fluid) between otherwise watertight compartments (especially on a ship).
   • The Titanics compartmentation' did not stop water from entering rooms.
3. The dissemination of information and knowledge between different people or organisations on a need-to-know basis, so as to reduce the risk of espionage should one person or organisation be compromised externally; compartmentalization.
   • Nevertheless the principles of compartmentation of information and need to know are essential to secrecy.1956, Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy, volume 1, Washington: Joint Commission on Atomic Energy