bifurcation

noun

bi·​fur·​ca·​tion ˌbī-(ˌ)fər-ˈkā-shən 

1

a

: the point or area at which something divides into two branches or parts : the point at which bifurcating occurs

Inflammation may occlude the bifurcation of the trachea.

b

: branch

2

: the state of being divided into two branches or parts : the act of bifurcating

Synonyms

• divarication
• divergence
• divergency
• separation

Examples of bifurcation in a Sentence

a thoughtful book about the nation's bifurcation into two distinct and antagonistic cultures

a divisive issue that caused the bifurcation of the political party

Recent Examples on the Web

Some automakers do that, but I was told the bifurcation of the pack is important to GM because the pack is a structural element of the vehicle. —Chad Kirchner, ArsTechnica, 13 May 2025

According to Variety, this bifurcation will likely result in the film’s current release date of October 3 being pushed back. —Bethy Squires, Vulture, 2 Apr. 2025

This dramatic bifurcation exposes the consequences of isolating professional obligations from personal identity. —Benjamin Laker, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025

Many rivers have natural bifurcations, where the branch later returns to the main river after some distance, such as a braided river or delta. —Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see bifurcate

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for bifurcation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation