bifid
1
9.9
- adjective
- /ˈbɪfɪd/
- Specialized
- 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
10
6.3
Divided into two parts along a natural line like a chin or the roof of the mouth
5
8.2
Split into two separate parts
1
8.1
Having two rounded parts separated by a deep notch
1
9.9
Having two rounded parts that stick out like two small bumps
1
6.7
A leaf or flower with two rounded parts
1
9.9
A leaf or plant part with two separate lobes like a ginkgo leaf
1
7.9
Having two parts that reach almost to the base
Antonyms
Surface Forms
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.