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bicephalic

bicephalic

9.9
Having two people who share control of a group or organization
  • adjective
  • /ˌbaɪsəˈfælɪk/
  • Formal
translation icon : bicefálico
  • The company adopted a bicephalic structure, with two CEOs sharing equal authority.

Examples

  • The new constitution established a bicephalic executive, dividing power between two officials.

  • A bicephalic approach to management can sometimes lead to conflicts if the leaders disagree.

  • A bicephalic leadership can be effective.

  • The bicephalic model is quite unique.

  • The company adopted a bicephalic structure, with two CEOs sharing equal authority.

  • A bicephalic approach to management can sometimes lead to conflicts if the leaders disagree.

  • The new constitution established a bicephalic executive, dividing power between two officials.

Synonyms

bicephalous
vsbicephalic
  • Specialized
9.9

Having two heads on the same body

refers specifically to two leaders who share authority and control
polycephalous
vsbicephalic
  • Specialized
9.9

An organization that has more than one leader sharing power

means exactly two leaders sharing control rather than multiple centers of authority

How Headed

polycephalous
  • Specialized
9.9
bicephalic
  • Formal
9.9

Surface Forms

bicephalic positive

Morphology

bicephalic = cephalic (semi-transparent) = bi + cephal + ic

The morphological structure is clear, but the sense here relies on a metaphorical extension of 'head' = 'leader' which is not purely compositional for all learners.

Etymology

Bicephalic comes from bi- 'two' and cephal- 'head'. Think of the word biceps ('two-headed' muscle) to remember that bicephalic can also mean having two leaders or chiefs who share control, literally 'two heads' of power.