Which word uses the root fract/frag to mean 'break'?

• A. Fracture
• B. Fragment
• C. Fraction
• D. Frigid

Answer: (B)

The root fract/frag means to break apart. Fragment directly embodies that idea: a fragment is a piece that has been broken off from something larger. That makes its meaning closely and immediately tied to breaking, more so than the other options. Fracture refers to the act or result of breaking, which is related but a bit more about the event than the piece itself. Fraction is a portion created by dividing, which also comes from breaking but doesn’t express the idea of a broken piece as clearly. Frigid has no relation to breaking. So fragment best demonstrates the root’s meaning.