bifurcation

IPA/ˌbaɪfəˈkeɪʃn/
KK[bˌɪfɚkˈeʃən]IPA/ˌbaɪfərˈkeɪʃn/

bifurcation — noun

  • bifurcationsingular
  • bifurcationsplural

1. The event or state in which one line splits and continues as two separate paths

1.名詞C2
釋義

The event or state in which one line splits and continues as two separate paths or parts.

例句

Ayesha traced the river's bifurcation on the wall map.

bifurcation of a physical line

Engineers studied the road's bifurcation before adding new direction signs.

同義詞
  • branching

    Highlights a branch-like pattern, but it can suggest more than two offshoots.

  • division

    Broader and less visual; it does not specifically suggest two continuing branches.

  • forking

    A more everyday word, especially for roads or rivers.

反義詞
  • union

    Emphasises parts coming together instead of separating.

  • merging

    Focuses on two lines becoming one rather than one line dividing.

文法句型

the bifurcation of + road/river/trail/tube

a bifurcation in + structure

用法筆記

Often followed by 'of' or 'in' plus the road, river, vessel, or other line that separates. Distinguish from noun/3, which names the exact spot where the split starts.

2. One of the two branches or sections that appears after something separates.

2.名詞C2
釋義

One of the two branches or sections that appears after something separates.

例句

Traffic was heavier on the eastern bifurcation after the bridge closed.

adjective + bifurcation naming one branch

The surgeon cleaned the narrower bifurcation before placing the tiny clip.

同義詞
  • branch

    The everyday choice; it is much less formal than bifurcation.

  • offshoot

    Can work for roads, channels, or ideas, but it is broader and less technical.

  • channel

    Useful for rivers or vessels, though it does not fit every context.

文法句型

the left/right bifurcation

upper/lower bifurcation

用法筆記

Usually modified by words such as 'left', 'right', 'upper', or 'lower' because it names one resulting branch. Distinguish from noun/3, which points to the splitting spot rather than either branch.

3. The spot at which a road, river, tube, or similar line starts to divide into two

3.名詞C2
釋義

The spot at which a road, river, tube, or similar line starts to divide into two routes.

例句

Beatrix waited at the bifurcation where the bike path met the park.

pattern: at the bifurcation

A wooden bench stood near the bifurcation of the forest road.

同義詞
  • fork

    A simpler everyday word for the place where a road or river divides.

  • branch point

    Explicitly names the spot where one line becomes two.

  • junction

    Can refer to connecting routes as well, so it is broader than bifurcation.

文法句型

at the bifurcation

near the bifurcation of + road/trail

用法筆記

Often appears after 'at' or 'near' when giving directions or describing location. Distinguish from noun/1, which names the event or condition of dividing, not the exact place.