What does "separation" mean?

Separation: The act of separating, or the state of being separated, or separate. Specifically: (a) Chemical analysis. (b) Divorce. (c) (Steam Boilers) The operation of removing water from steam. Judicial separation (Law), a form of divorce; a separation of man and wife which has the effect of making each a single person for all legal purposes but without ability to contract a new marriage. Mozley & W.