Definition of bifurcate

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bi·fur·cate    (bfr-kt, b-fûr-) KEY 

VERB:
bi·fur·cat·ed, bi·fur·cat·ing, bi·fur·cates
VERB:
tr.

To divide into two parts or branches.

VERB:
intr.

To separate into two parts or branches; fork.

ADJECTIVE:
(-kt, -kt)

Forked or divided into two parts or branches, as the Y-shaped styles of certain flowers.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Medieval Latin bifurcre, bifurct-, to divide, from Latin bifurcus, two-pronged : bi-, two ; see bi-¹ + furca, fork

OTHER FORMS:
bifur·cately(Adverb), bifur·cation(Noun)