bifurcated

American  

[bahy-fer-key-tid, bahy-fur-] / ˈbaɪ fərˌkeɪ tɪd, baɪˈfɜr- /

adjective

1. divided or forked into two separate aspects or branches.

   In Star Trek, Spock and Kirk together represent a bifurcated hero, with each character representing one aspect of the human condition.

   The bifurcated fiber optic cable transmits light with half its fibers, while the other half act to detect reflected light.

2. Law. (of a trial) occurring in two separate parts, often with determination of guilt in the first part and sentencing or awarding of damages in the second.

   The same jury will usually hear both phases of a bifurcated trial.

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verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of bifurcate.

Etymology

Origin of bifurcated

First recorded in 1710–20; bifurcate ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. ) for the adjective senses; bifurcate ( def. ) + -ed ¹ ( def. ) for the verb sense

Example Sentences

The Hindenburg Omen appears in a highly bifurcated market — one in which many stocks are hitting new 52-week highs while many others are at new lows.

From MarketWatch

She ran her hand along a diagram gouged into the stone: a planet, bifurcated.

From Literature

“We’ve got to find the middle ground that still allows us to innovate even if we produce in this bifurcated way,” he says.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Do I just stop looking for a full-time job and continue on with contract work? Or do I continue to do this bifurcated approach?”

From The Wall Street Journal

What Slok labels a “bifurcated economy” is a drag on overall U.S. growth.

From MarketWatch