[1885–90; arpeggi(o) + -ation]This word is first recorded in the period 1885–90. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: classified, foregut, lineup, seminar, sensitization-ation is used to form nouns from stems ending in -ate (separation) and, on this model, to form nouns from stems of other origin (starvation). Other words that use the affix -ation include: concentration, plantation, polymerization, sensitization, transportation