ˈsizəm, ÷ˈski-; among clergymen usually ˈsi- noun
( -s )
Etymology: alteration (influenced by Late Latin schisma ) of earlier scisme, from Middle English, from Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French cisme, from Late Latin schismat-, schisma, from Greek, cleft, division, from schizein to split — more at shed
1. : division , separation ; also : discord , disharmony
there should be no schism in the body — 1 Cor 12:25 (Authorized Version)
2.
a. : formal division or separation in the Christian church or from a church or religious body : breach of unity among people of the same religious faith
b. : the offense of seeking to produce division in a church
c. : a schismatic body or sect
d. obsolete : a schismatic opinion
3.
a. obsolete : a condition of disagreement in opinion : mutual hostility
b. : a division of a group into two discordant groups
a schism in a political party
also : a condition of opposition or divergence (as between abstract principles)
the widening schism between pure and applied science
4. archaic : a tear in fabric (as clothing)
5. archaic : faction , clique
Synonyms: see breach