isolation

isolation [‚ī·sə′lā·shən]

(chemistry)

Separation of a pure chemical substance from a compound or mixture; as in distillation, precipitation, or absorption.

(computer science)

The ability of a logic circuit having more than one input to ensure that each input signal is not affected by any of the others.

(evolution)

The restriction or limitation of gene flow between distinct populations due to barriers to interbreeding.

(medicine)

Separation of an individual with a communicable disease from other, healthy individuals.

(microbiology)

Separation of an individual or strain from a natural, mixed population.

(physiology)

Separation of a tissue, organ, system, or other part of the body for purposes of study.

(psychology)

Dissociation of a memory or thought from the emotions or feelings associated with it.

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Isolation

See also Imprisonment, Remoteness.

Alcatraz Island

“The Rock”; former federal prison in San Francisco Bay. [Am. Hist.: Flexner, 218]

Alison’s House

reclusive woman guards secrets and poems of her dead sister. [Am. Drama: Glaspel Alison’s House in Sobel, 18]

Aschenbach, Gustave von

spiritual and emotional solitude combine in writer’s deterioration. [Ger. Lit.: Death in Venice]

Count of Monte Cristo

Edmond Dantès imprisoned in the dungeons of Château D’If for 14 years. [Fr. Lit.: The Count of Monte Cristo, Magill I, 158–160]

Crusoe, Robinson

man marooned on a desert island for 24 years. [Brit. Lit.: Robinson Crusoe, Magill I, 839–841]

Dickinson, Emily

(1830–1886) secluded within the walls of her father’s house. [Am. Lit.: Hart, 224]

Hermit Kingdom Korea,

when it alienated itself from all but China (c. 1637—c. 1876). [Korean Hist.: NCE, 1233]

Iron Curtain

political and ideological barrier of secrecy concealing Eastern bloc. [Eur. Hist.: Brewer Dictionary, 490]

Magic Mountain, The

suspended in time, which exists in flat world below. [Ger. Lit.: The Magic Mountain, Magill I, 545–547]

Man Without a Country, The

story of man exiled from homeland. [Am. Lit.: The Man Without a Country, Magill I, 553–557]

Olivia

“abjured the company and sight of men.” [Br. Lit.: Twelfth Night]

prisoner of Chillon

cast into a lightless dungeon and chained there for countless years. [Br. Lit.: Byron The Prisoner of Chillon in Benét, 817]

Selkirk, Alexander

(1676–1721) marooned on Pacific island; thought to be prototype of Robinson Crusoe. [Scot. Hist.: EB, IX: 45]

Sleepy Hollow

out-of-the-way, old-world village on Hudson. [Am. Lit.: “Legend of Sleepy Hollow” in Benét, 575]

Stylites

medieval ascetics; resided atop pillars. [Christian Hist.: Brewer Dictionary, 1045]

Stylites, St. Simeon

lived 36 years on platform atop pillar. [Christian Hagiog.: Attwater, 309]