Definition: A partition can be thought of as a division or "part" of a real hard disk drive. When you partition a hard drive, you make it available to an operating system. Multiple partitions on a singe hard drive appear as separate drives to the operating system.
For example, when you install an operating system like Windows XP, part of the process is to define a partition on the hard drive. This partition serves to define an area of the hard drive that Windows XP can use to install all of its files. In Windows operating systems, this primary partition is usually assigned the drive letter of "C".
Also Known As: disk partition
Examples: "When I reinstalled Windows XP, I had to remove the existing partition and then create a new one for Windows to install on."
