divide
divide [dĭ-vīdʹ] verb
divided, dividing, divides
verb, transitive
1. a. To separate into parts, sections, groups, or branches. See synonyms at separate. b. To sector into units of measurement; graduate. c. To separate and group according to kind; classify.
2. a. To separate into opposing factions; disunite: "They want not to divide either the Revolution or the Church but to be an integral part of both" [Conor Cruise O'Brien]. b. To cause [members of a parliament] to vote by separating into groups, as pro and con.
3. To separate from something else; cut off: divided the boys from the girls for gym class.
4. To apportion among a number. See synonyms at distribute.
5. Mathematics. a. To subject to the process of division. b. To be an exact divisor of.
verb, intransitive
1. a. To become separated into parts. b. To branch out, as a river. c. To form into factions; take sides. d. To vote by dividing.
2. Mathematics. To perform the operation of division.
3. Biology. To undergo cell division.
noun
1. A dividing point or line: "would clearly tip the court . . . across a dangerous constitutional divide" [Lawrence H. Tribe].
2. A ridge of land; a watershed.
[Middle English dividen, from Latin dīvidere : dī-, dis-, dis- + -videre, to separate.]
dividʹable adjective