|bī+ noun
( -s )
Etymology: French bifurcation, probably from New Latin bifurcation-, bifurcatio, from Medieval Latin bifurcatus + Latin -ion-, -io -ion
1. : separation or branching into two parts, areas, aspects, or connected segments
the Cartesian bifurcation of reality into mind and matter
2. : the point at which bifurcation occurs — used almost wholly of physical objects
inflammation may occlude the bifurcation of the trachea
3. : either member of a pair produced by bifurcation : branch
the left bifurcation of the common iliac artery
a bifurcation of the Japan current that carries warmth and moisture to the Alaska coastline