Definitions of partitive:

• noun:   word (such a `some' or `less') that is used to indicate a part as distinct from a whole
• adjective:   indicating or characterized by or serving to create partition or division into parts

  Example: "Partitive tendencies in education"

• adjective:   (Romance languages) relating to or denoting a part of a whole or a quantity that is less than the whole

  Example: "A partitive construction"

• adjective:   serving to separate or divide into parts

  Example: "Partitive tendencies in education"