Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Comminution \Com`mi*nu"tion\, n.
   1. The act of reducing to a fine powder or to small
      particles; pulverization; the state of being comminuted.
      --Bentley.

   2. (Surg.) Fracture (of a bone) into a number of pieces.
      --Dunglison.

   3. Gradual diminution by the removal of small particles at a
      time; a lessening; a wearing away.

            Natural and necessary comminution of our lives.
                                                  --Johnson.