Main Entry: schism

Pronunciation: \ˈsi-zəm, ˈski- also ˈshi-; among clergy usually ˈsi-\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English scisme, from Anglo-French scisme, cisme, from Late Latin schismat-, schisma, from Greek, cleft, division, from schizein to split — more at shed

Date: 14th century

1 : division, separation; also : discord, disharmony <a schism between political parties>
2 a : formal division in or separation from a church or religious body b : the offense of promoting schism