Screens those separating a whole into parts? (8)
I believe the answer is:
dividers
'parts?' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?
I can't explain the remainder of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for dividers that I've seen before include "What may be found in geometry class" , "Type of compass used for measuring distance" , "Navigational or geometric instrument" , "rulers?" , "V-shaped measuring device" .)