I. dīˈvarəˌkāt, də̇ˈ- verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Latin divaricatus, past participle of divaricare, from di- (from dis- apart) + varicare to straddle — more at dis- , prevaricate
intransitive verb
1. : to spread apart : diverge from each other
at this spot the two roads divaricate
2. : to divide or break up into distinct parts
transitive verb
1. obsolete : to cause to divide into branches
2. : to stretch or spread apart
divaricated two fingers of his hand
Synonyms: see branch
II. (ˈ)dī|varə̇kə̇t, də̇ˈv- adjective
Etymology: Latin divaricatus
: widely diverging or spreading apart — used especially of branches and wings
• di·var·i·cate·ly adverb