bifurcation

noun

bi·​fur·​ca·​tion ˌbī-(ˌ)fər-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce bifurcation (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The unofficial kickoff to the holiday shopping season comes as executives point to a bifurcation in consumer spending, with lower-income consumers feeling the strain on their budgets, and as a government shutdown and tariff costs threaten purchasing power. Courtney Reagan, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2025 This is called a bifurcation, or a point where a system can settle into one of two different stable states, depending on small differences in conditions. Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 11 Oct. 2025 Waller’s remarks came a day after Delta’s blowout earnings confirmed a bifurcation developing in the economy. Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2025 Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell earlier this month commented on that phenomenon and why the bifurcation can help the economy in aggregate, even if many people are struggling. David Goldman, CNN Money, 27 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bifurcation

Word History

Etymology

see bifurcate

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of bifurcation was in 1615

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bifurcation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bifurcation. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

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