noun. 1. with regard to psychoanalytic theory, an item toward that an element instinct is directed. Such an item is generally a part of the body instead of a whole individual. 2. with regard to the item relations theory of Melanie Klein, a formative item symbolization which stems from splitting the item into portions composed of positive and negative factors. It is regarded that such items make up the infant
PART-OBJECT: “The part-object doesn’t appear to be effected.”