v., -cat·ed, -cat·ing, -cates. v.tr.
To divide into two parts or branches.
v.intr.
To separate into two parts or branches; fork.
adj. (-kāt', -kĭt)
Forked or divided into two parts or branches, as the Y-shaped styles of certain flowers.
[Medieval Latin bifurcāre, bifurcāt-, to divide, from Latin bifurcus, two-pronged : bi-, two; see bi-1 + furca, fork.]
bifurcately bi'fur·cate'ly adv.bifurcation bi'fur·ca'tion n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
