What does partial mean?

Answer 1

Partial in mathematics can refer to:

• Partial derivatives (derivative of a function with respect to a specific variable, others being held constant)
• A partial function

Partial can also refer to the regular English usage (referring to an isolated part of the whole).

Answer 2

When you cut a cake into sections and take one, you have taken an incomplete cake. Partially is an adverb that describes incomplete.