I. ˈbīfə(r)ˌkāt, (ˈ)bī|fərˌkāt, -|fə̄ˌ-, usu -d.+V verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Medieval Latin bifurcatus, past participle of bifurcare to bifurcate, from Latin bifurcus
intransitive verb
: to branch or separate into two parts — often used with into
the stream bifurcated into two narrow winding channels
transitive verb
: to cause to branch or separate into two parts
it might be possible to bifurcate the beam of light
Synonyms: see branch
II. ˈbīfə(r)ˌkāt, -_kə̇t; (ˈ)bī|fərkə̇t, -|fə̄k-, -ˌkāt, usu -d.+V adjective
Etymology: Medieval Latin bifurcatus, past participle of bifurcare
: divided into two branches : dichotomous — used chiefly of physical objects
• bi·furcately adverb