Dictionary

quadrifurcate en · ADJ · etymology 1

Pronunciation

• /ˌkwɒdɹɪˈfɜːkət/ (Received-Pronunciation)
• kwŏd'rĭfûrʹkāt (Received-Pronunciation)
• /ˌkwɒdɹɪˈfɜːkeɪt/ (Received-Pronunciation)
• kwŏd'rĭfûrʹkət (Received-Pronunciation)

Etymology

First attested in 1849; formed as quadri- (“four”) + furcate (adjective); compare the post-Classical Latin quadrifurcātus (“four-pronged”).

Meanings

1. (not-comparable) Branching fourfold; having four branches.

Synonyms

quadrifurcated (having four branches)

quadrifurcate en · VERB · etymology 2

Pronunciation

• kwŏd'rĭfûrʹkāt (Received-Pronunciation)
• /ˌkwɒdɹɪˈfɜːkeɪt/ (Received-Pronunciation)

Etymology

First attested in 1886; formed as quadri- + furcate (verb).

Meanings

1. Furcate (fork or divide) into four branches or channels.
   • Once within the limits of the post-trochlear space, the tendon of this muscle behaves in a manner common to most birds — that is, it quadrifurcates, and each branch takes a course close up to the joints on their plantar aspects, […] 1886, Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London, page 484:

Forms