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YOUR VOCABULARY, ONE WORD AT A TIME

bifurcate

Verb

IPA /ˈbaɪfəkeɪt/

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Meaning in plain English

To divide into two separate parts or branches.

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Pronunciation

bifurcate/ˈbaɪfəkeɪt/

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  1. A path starts as one route

  2. It divides into exactly two branches

  3. Walkers can follow either branch

When a path bifurcates, it splits into two branches.

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Examples in context

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  1. The path bifurcates just beyond the old bridge.
  2. The diagram shows where the process bifurcates into two routes.

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To divide into two separate parts or branches.
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bifurcate — To divide into two separate parts or branches.

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To divide into two separate parts or branches.

Compare: The path bifurcates just beyond the old bridge.

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Word origin

From Latin bifurcus, meaning two-forked, through medieval Latin bifurcare.

Did you know?

The element bi- points to two branches or parts.

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bifurcate

/ˈbaɪfəkeɪt/ (Verb)

“Bifurcate is formal or technical. In everyday directions, say the path splits in two.”

englishskillstudio.com