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Glite Dictionary
bifid

bifid

9.9
A part that is split into two, often at the tip, as in a leaf or tongue
  • adjective
  • /ˈbɪfɪd/
  • Specialized
translation icon : bifido
  • Its initial description in 1960 by Gorlin and Goltz included the classic features of basal cell carcinoma, odontogenic keratocysts, and bifid ribs.
  • bifid bow

Examples

  • Bifid and/or lobulated tongue was observed in 14 patients and lingual hamartomas in nine.

    Academic text (2015)

  • The bifid structure of the leaf allowed it to capture more sunlight for photosynthesis.

  • Bifid and trifid nerves have also been described in patients with normally appearing auricles.

    Academic text (1996)

  • The patient's bifid spine required careful monitoring by the medical team.

  • The artist created a unique bifid sculpture that split into two distinct sections.

Synonyms

cleft
vsbifid
12 6.3

Divided into two parts along a natural line like a chin or the roof of the mouth

refers to a two-part split occurring especially at the tip rather than any line
bifurcated
vsbifid
  • Formal
1 8.2

Split into two separate parts

describes a split near the tip forming lobes rather than branching structures
bilobed
vsbifid
  • Specialized
8.1

Having two rounded parts separated by a deep notch

focuses on a split near the tip rather than unspecified location
bilobate
vsbifid
  • Specialized
9.9

A leaf or plant part with two separate lobes like a ginkgo leaf

often implies the split is at the tip rather than deeper division
two-lobed
vsbifid
  • Specialized
6.7

A leaf or flower with two rounded parts

is used for splits occurring near the tip not necessarily whole structure
bilobated
vsbifid
  • Specialized
9.9

Having two rounded parts that stick out like two small bumps

focuses on a tip split rather than general rounded shape
bipartite
vsbifid
  • Specialized
7.9

Having two parts that reach almost to the base

describes a split near the tip rather than extending to the base

Antonyms

unpartitioned
7.5

Not divided into parts or sections

Surface Forms

bifid positive

Morphology

bifid = bi + fid

The prefix 'bi-' (= two) is clear, but the root 'fid' is a rare learned combining form meaning 'split' and is not a standalone English word, so the sense is only partially derivable by average learners.

Etymology

Bifid comes from the parts bi- meaning 'two' and -fid meaning 'split', like the bi- in bicycle that also means 'two'. So, something bifid is 'split into two', which is why we use the word for tongues, leaves, or petals with two tips.