trifurcate

adjective

tri·​fur·​cate (ˌ)trī-ˈfər-kət How to pronounce trifurcate (audio)
-ˌkāt;
ˈtrī-(ˌ)fər-ˌkāt
: having three branches or forks : trichotomous
trifurcate intransitive verb
trifurcation noun

Examples of trifurcate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web That is the tragedy of the three cities: the artificial walls that trifurcate us. WIRED, 30 Aug. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'trifurcate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin trifurcus, from tri- + furca fork

First Known Use

circa 1831, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of trifurcate was circa 1831

Dictionary Entries Near trifurcate

Cite this Entry

“Trifurcate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trifurcate. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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