raciation

noun

ra·​ci·​a·​tion

ˌrāshēˈāshən

plural -s

: differentiation of local infraspecific groups within a population through continued selection for ecologically useful variations under conditions of at least partial isolation compare speciation

Word History

Etymology

irregular (influenced by speciation) from race entry 7 + -ation

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!