di·vide (d -v d )v. di·vid·ed, di·vid·ing, di·vides v.tr. 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. v.intr. 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. n. 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 d videre : d-, dis-, dis- + -videre, to separate.]di·vid a·ble adj. |
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