bifid

[ bahy-fid ]

adjective

1. separated or cleft into two equal parts or lobes.

bifid

/ ˈbaɪfɪd /

adjective

1. divided into two lobes by a median cleft

   bifid leaves

Derived Forms

• ˈbifidly, adverb
• biˈfidity, noun

Other Words From

• bi·fidi·ty noun
• bifid·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of bifid¹

1655–65; < Latin bifidus, equivalent to bi- bi- ¹ + fid- (variant stem of findere to split; akin to bite ) + -us adj. suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of bifid¹

C17: from Latin bifidus from bi- ¹+ -fidus , from findere to split

Example Sentences

The pads on the 3rd and 4th fingers become enlarged at the same time as the bifid claws develop.

From Scientific American

Someone soon realized that the code could be broken by a bifid cipher, and the result was a legible message that asked the recipient to meet at a certain location.

From Forbes

Styles 3, united at base, each bifid, red.

From Project Gutenberg

The male blossoms have five petals and fifteen stamens; the females have no petals but a large oblong ovary bearing three bifid styles.

From Project Gutenberg

The teeth of all species of Smilisca are spatulate and bifid.

From Project Gutenberg