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

This bifurcation is reshaping the venture market: a squeeze at the bottom, a glut at the top. —Sindhya Valloppillil, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025

This bifurcation makes Ballerina a wildly uneven viewing experience, but that second hour is so thrilling that the first doesn’t really matter. —Alison Willmore, Vulture, 4 June 2025

This bifurcation mirrors broader economic trends, but its impact on Hollywood’s creative ecosystem could be devastating. —Jd Barker, Rolling Stone, 20 May 2025

Partial bifurcation of the system has already occurred, and there will be further bifurcation, particularly in those areas of technology that have major security implications, such as semiconductors. —Bilahari Kausikan, Foreign Affairs, 11 Apr. 2023

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