/di vuyd"/ , v. , divided, dividing , n.
v.t.
1. to separate into parts, groups, sections, etc.
2. to separate or part from something else; sunder; cut off.
3. to deal out in parts; distribute in shares; apportion.
4. to cleave; part.
5. to separate in opinion or feeling; cause to disagree: The issue divided the senators.
6. to distinguish the kinds of; classify.
7. Math.
a. to separate into equal parts by the process of mathematical division; apply the mathematical process of division to: Eight divided by four is two.
b. to be a divisor of, without a remainder.
8. to mark a uniform scale on (a ruler, thermometer, etc.).
9. Brit. Govt. to separate (a legislature, assembly, etc.) into two groups in ascertaining the vote on a question.
v.i.
10. to become divided or separated.
11. to share something with others.
12. to diverge; branch; fork: The road divides six miles from here.
13. to perform the mathematical process of division: He could add and subtract but hadn't learned to divide.
14. Brit. Govt. to vote by separating into two groups.
n.
15. a division: a divide in the road.
16. Physical Geog. the line or zone of higher ground between two adjacent streams or drainage basins.
17. Archaic. the act of dividing.
[ 1325-75; ME ( divider ) dividere to separate, divide ]
Syn. 1. See separate. 2. sever, shear. 3. partition, portion. 5. alienate, estrange. 6. sort, arrange, distribute.
Ant. 1. unite.