divide

(dĭ-vīdˈ)

1. a. To separate into parts, sections, groups, or branches: divided the students into four groups. See Synonyms at separate.
   b. To sector into units of measurement; graduate: The ruler was divided into metric units.
   c. To separate and group according to kind; classify: divided the plants by genus.
2. a. To cause 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: A mountain chain divides France and Spain.
4. To apportion among a number: Volunteers divided the different jobs among themselves. See Synonyms at distribute.
5. Mathematics
   a. To subject (a number) to the process of division: divided 20 by 4.
   b. To be a divisor of: 3 divides 9.
   c. To use (a number) as a divisor: divided 5 into 35.

1. a. To become separated into parts.
   b. To branch out, as a river.
   c. To form into factions; take sides: The party divided evenly on the tax issue.
   d. To vote by dividing.
2. Mathematics To perform the operation of division.
3. Biology To undergo cell division.

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.

Related Forms:

• di·vidˈa·ble adjective