disjunction

[ dis-juhngk-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of disjoining or the state of being disjoined:

   a disjunction between thought and action.

2. Logic.
   1. Also called disjunctive, inclusive disjunction. a compound proposition that is true if and only if at least one of a number of alternatives is true.
   2. Also called exclusive disjunction. a compound proposition that is true if and only if one and only one of a number of alternatives is true.
   3. the relation among the components of such a proposition, usually expressed by OR or V.

disjunction

/ dɪsˈdʒʌŋkʃən /

noun

1. Also calleddisjuncture the act of disconnecting or the state of being disconnected; separation
2. cytology the separation of the chromosomes of each homologous pair during the anaphase of meiosis
3. logic
   1. the operator that forms a compound sentence from two given sentences and corresponds to the English or
   2. a sentence so formed. Usually written p ∨ q where p, q are the component sentences, it is true (inclusive sense) whenever either or both of the latter are true; the exclusive disjunction, for which there is no symbol, is true when either but not both disjuncts is
   3. the relation between such sentences

Word History and Origins

Origin of disjunction¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English disjunccioun from Latin disjunctiōn- (stem of disjunctiō ) “separation,” equivalent to disjunct(us) ( disjunct ( def ) ) + -iōn- -ion ( def )

Example Sentences

There would have been continuity between the painted and real world, instead of disjunction.

From The Daily Beast

The problem of distance is compounded by distraction and disjunction.

From The Daily Beast

There is a constant disjunction between political tact and political candor.

From The Daily Beast

We all sense this disjunction between wanting to make the world, the whole world so much larger than this boot room.

From The Daily Beast

Disjunction of the secreting apparatus from the copulating apparatus: spiders, dragon-flies.

From Project Gutenberg

Aversion between married partners arises from a disunion of souls and a disjunction of minds, 236.

From Project Gutenberg

For this disjunction from Hellenic life, brought about by war, is not only physical but has become spiritual.

From Project Gutenberg

This closure of nature does not carry with it any metaphysical doctrine of the disjunction of nature and mind.

From Project Gutenberg

There exists no disjunction between aesthetic qualities which are final yet idle, and acts which are practical or instrumental.

From Project Gutenberg