bipartite

American  

[bahy-pahr-tahyt] / baɪˈpɑr taɪt /

adjective

1. divided into or consisting of two parts.

2. Law. being in two corresponding parts.

   a bipartite contract.

3. shared by two; joint.

   a bipartite pact; bipartite rule.

4. Botany. divided into two parts nearly to the base, as a leaf.

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bipartite British  

/ baɪˈpɑːtaɪt, ˌbaɪpɑːˈtɪʃən /

adjective

1. consisting of or having two parts

2. affecting or made by two parties; bilateral

   a bipartite agreement

3. botany (esp of some leaves) divided into two parts almost to the base

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Other Word Forms

• bipartitely adverb
• bipartition noun

Etymology

Origin of bipartite

1500–10; < Latin bipartītus divided into two parts, bisected (past participle of bipartīre ). See bi- ¹, part, -ite ²

Explanation

Anything bipartite has two parts or features. A bipartite agreement has two elements. Words starting with bi usually involve two things, and that's the very definition of this word: things that have two parts are bipartite. It's often used (in botany, for example) to describe two-part things joined at the base, like leaves. An animal’s hoof that has two halves is bipartite. For abstract things, the word usually suggests entirely separate parts forming a single thing: bipartite agreements/rules/legislatures. If something has three parts instead of two, it's tripartite.

Example Sentences

Ukraine has also been awarded bipartite slots in three sports.

From BBC • Feb. 18, 2026

Recovery time for Ohtani’s surgery to repair a bipartite patella, a rare condition that occurs when the bones in the kneecap do not fuse after birth, is eight to 12 weeks.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 24, 2019

This circumstance owes to the drama’s peculiar, bipartite structure.

From New York Times • Oct. 9, 2018

Acta began its life in 2006, as part of a bipartite conversation between the US and Japan.

From The Guardian • Jul. 5, 2012

The bipartite structure coming from the animal’s head doubtless represents the mouthparts, and at its base on either side arise antennae.

From Animal Figures in the Maya Codices by Tozzer, Alfred M. (Alfred Marston)