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

This bifurcation will go beyond reporting practices to fundamental differences in how organizations view their role in society, their relationship with employees, and their approach to value creation. —Solange Charas, Forbes, 24 Nov. 2024

In winning support from friends and allies on export controls, outbound investment reviews, supply chain diversification, and technology bifurcation, less will be more. —Richard Fontaine, Foreign Affairs, 12 July 2023

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

Word History

Etymology

see bifurcate

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1a