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

• divergence
• divergency

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

Right now [there's been] a little bit of a bifurcation of the market. —Ashley J. Dimella , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 10 Sep. 2025

Human languages twist and recast themselves at the bifurcations in their own family tree. —Jake Buehler, Quanta Magazine, 28 Aug. 2025

This bifurcation in credit performance suggests that while some consumers are struggling, others are actively seeking better alternatives. —Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025

Boom says the moves were spurred by the clear bifurcation that Amazon audio leaders began to see in Wondery’s output. —Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 5 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see bifurcate

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for bifurcation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation