What is "proration"

1893, noun of action from prorate (v.).

n. 1 (context telecommunication English) budgeting the proportional distribution or allocation of parameters, such as noise power and transmission losses, among a number of tandem-connected items, such as equipment, cables, links, or trunks, in order to balance the performance of communications circuits. 2 (context telecommunication English) In a telephone switching center, the distribution or allocation of equipment or components proportionally among a number of functions, to provide a requisite grade of service. 3 (context accounting English) In the insurance industry, the act of taking money that is currently due from the insurance company and moving it to the patient, knowing that the dollar amount being moved is due from the patient as a deductible, coinsurance, or copayment amount.

n. the proportional limitation of production or distribution of something (e.g. crude oil or natural gas) to some fractional part of the total capacity of each producer