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allocation

n.
US //ˌæɫəˈkeɪʃən// UK //ˌæləkˈeɪʃən// al·lo·ca·tion
  1. 1 the process of sharing resources (n.)
    C1 Advanced Academic Formal

    the act of giving out parts of a total amount of something to different people or for different uses.

    the process or procedure of distributing resources, such as capital, personnel, or equipment, according to a specific plan.

    Example

    The efficient allocation of the budget allowed the school to buy new computers for every classroom.

    Example

    Economists argue that the efficient allocation of scarce resources is the primary challenge facing developing nations in the current fiscal climate.

    Usage

    Often followed by the preposition 'of' and then 'to' or 'between'.
  2. 2 an amount given (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    the specific amount of something that you are allowed to have or use.

    a specific amount or portion of a resource that has been designated for a particular recipient.

    Example

    Each department received a small allocation of the total office space.

    Example

    The regional manager requested an increased allocation of the marketing budget to support the launch of the new product line in autumn.
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  1. 3 cell development (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    the way a young cell in a living thing is limited to becoming a specific type of body part.

    the restriction of an embryonic cell and its descendants to a specific cell type or body region during development.

    Example

    Scientists studied the allocation of cells in the embryo to see how the heart forms.

    Example

    The study provides new insights into the genetic triggers that govern cell allocation during the earliest stages of vertebrate morphogenesis.
Origin

From Middle French allocacion, from Medieval Latin allocātiō. By surface analysis, allocate + -ion.

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