disjunction

noun

dis·​junc·​tion dis-ˈjəŋ(k)-shən 

1

: a sharp cleavage : disunion, separation

the disjunction between theory and practice

2

: a compound sentence in logic formed by joining two simple statements by or:

a

: inclusive disjunction

b

: exclusive disjunction

Did you know?

Disjunction vs Disconnect

A disjunction may be a mere lack of connection between two things, or a large gulf. There's often a huge disjunction between what people expect from computers and what they know about them, and the disjunction between a star's public image and her actual character may be just as big. We may speak of the disjunction between science and morality, between doing and telling, or between knowing and explaining. In recent years, disjunction seem to have been losing out to a newer synonym, the noun disconnect.

Examples of disjunction in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Yet all the growing mounds of evidence and ever more refined expertise can’t make up for a stubborn disjunction separating design, courtesy, and compliance. —Justin Davidson, Curbed, 13 Nov. 2024

The apparent disjunction between means and ends is especially notable given the steep toll that Israel’s recent military successes have exacted on Lebanon’s Shiite communities. —Mohanad Hage Ali, Foreign Affairs, 1 Nov. 2024

The poem flies widely through the disjunctions of mid-teens America before circling in on the violence at Charlottesville and its implications. —Chris Heath, Vulture, 31 July 2024

And by millions of viewers: Note the disjunction between the viewers who watched the premier, and those who watched the finale, on the first season. —Discover Magazine, 20 Nov. 2019

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing disjunction

• exclusive disjunction
• inclusive disjunction

Medical Definition

disjunction

noun

dis·​junc·​tion dis-ˈjəŋ(k)-shən 

: the separation of chromosomes or chromatids during anaphase of mitosis or meiosis