divide

divide [də vīd′]

vt.

divided, dividing [ME dividen < L dividere, to separate, divide, distribute < di- (< dis-, apart) + base seen in vidua, WIDOW < IE base * weidh-, to separate (prob. < wi-, apart + dhē, set, DO¹)]

1. to separate into parts; split up; sever

2. to separate into groups; classify

3. to make or keep separate by or as by a boundary or partition

4. to give out in shares; apportion; distribute

5. to cause disagreement between or among; alienate

6. to separate (a parliamentary body) into groups in voting on a question

7. Math.

a) to separate into equal parts by a divisor

b) to function as a divisor of

8. Mech. to mark off the divisions of; graduate; gradate

vi.

1. to be or become separate; part

2. to differ in opinion; disagree

3. to separate into groups in voting on a question: said of a parliament, esp. that of the United Kingdom

4. to share

5. Math.

a) to do division

b) to undergo division; be divisible (by)

n.

1. the act of dividing

☆ 2. a ridge that divides two drainage areas; watershed

3. a division; boundary

SYN.- DISTRIBUTE, SEPARATE

dividable

adj.