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

Add to this a clearer-than-ever bifurcation between first jobs that pay a living wage and appear to have career pathways and jobs that have one or the other or neither. —Ryan Craig, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024

This dynamic is likely to result in a bifurcation in inflationary trends. —Mark Le Dain, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024

In Asia, the tea leaves are pointing to a very obvious bifurcation. —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune Asia, 7 Oct. 2024

But luxury hotels are seeing higher demand, underscoring the bifurcation between lower- and higher-income consumers. —Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN, 19 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see bifurcate

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1a