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fixation

 - 4 dictionary results

fix⋅a⋅tion

  [fik-sey-shuhn]
Use fixation in a Sentence
–noun
1. the act of fixing or the state of being fixed.
2. Chemistry.
a. reduction from a volatile or fluid to a stable or solid form.
b. the process of converting atmospheric nitrogen into a useful compound, as a nitrate fertilizer.
3. Photography. the process of rendering an image permanent by removal of light-sensitive silver halides.
4. Psychoanalysis. a partial arrest of emotional and instinctual development at an early point in life, due to a severe traumatic experience or an overwhelming gratification.
5. a preoccupation with one subject, issue, etc.; obsession: All her life she had a fixation on stories of violent death.
Origin:
1350–1400; ME fixacion < ML fixātiōn- (s. of fixātiō) a reduction to a fixed state. See fix, -ation
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To fixation
fix·a·tion   (fĭk-sā'shən)   
n.  

  1. The act or process of fixing or fixating.

  2. An obsessive preoccupation.

  3. Psychology A strong attachment to a person or thing, especially such an attachment formed in childhood or infancy and manifested in immature or neurotic behavior that persists throughout life.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: fix·a·tion
Pronunciation: fik-'sA-sh&n
Function: noun
1 : the act, process, or result of fixing, fixating, or becomingfixated: as a : the act or an instance of focusing the eyes upon an object b : a persistent concentration of libidinal energies upon objects characteristic ofpsychosexual stages of development preceding the genital stage c : stereotyped behavior (as in response to frustration) d : an obsessive or unhealthy preoccupation orattachment
2 : the immobilization of the parts of a fractured bone especially by the use of various metal attachments
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

fixation fix·a·tion (fĭk-sā'shən)
n.

  1. The condition of being stabilized, firmly attached, or set.

  2. The act or process of stabilizing or attaching something, especially a body part by surgery.

  3. The rapid killing and preservation of tissue elements to retain as nearly as possible the same characteristics they had in the living body.

  4. The conversion of a gas into solid or liquid form by chemical reactions.

  5. In psychoanalytic theory, a strong attachment to a person or thing, especially such an attachment formed in childhood or infancy and manifested in immature or neurotic behavior that persists throughout life.

  6. The coordinated positioning and focusing of both eyes on an object.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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