lass="programlisting">
DROP TABLE measurement_y2006m02;
</pre><p>
     This can very quickly delete millions of records because it doesn't have
     to individually delete every record.  Note however that the above command
     requires taking an <code class="literal">ACCESS EXCLUSIVE</code> lock on the parent
     table.
    </p><p>
     Another option that is often preferable is to remove the partition from
     the partitioned table but retain access to it as a table in its own
     right.  This has two 