scission

[ sizh-uhn, sish- ]

noun

1. a cutting, dividing, or splitting; division; separation.
2. Chemistry. cleavage ( def 7 ).

scission

/ ˈsɪʃən /

noun

1. the act or an instance of cutting, splitting, or dividing

Word History and Origins

Origin of scission¹

1400–50; late Middle English (< Middle French ) < Late Latin scissiōn- (stem of scissiō ) a cutting, equivalent to sciss ( us ) (past participle of scindere to cut) + -iōn- -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of scission¹

C15: from Late Latin scissiō, from scindere to split

Example Sentences

When the nucleus ultimately disintegrates, these pieces move apart rapidly and the neck snaps quickly, a process known as scission.

From Scientific American

While there are clear advantages for Hospira, the result of a scission of Abbott in 2004, it is less evident for the French group – apart from any cash to invest in other activities.

From Forbes

It seems to be the rule that nations like individuals must have fears and the American phobia is that this country will proceed amœba-wise by scission, into several countries.

From Project Gutenberg

Finally, they were accused of attempting to break the Union by advocating in their subsidized press a scission between the North and the South.

From Project Gutenberg

During the Civil War the denomination escaped an actual scission by following the neutral views of Campbell, who opposed slavery, war and abolition.

From Project Gutenberg