First Known Use: circa 1645
Dictionary
bisect
verb bi·sect \ˈbī-ˌsekt, bī-ˈ\
: to divide (something) into two equal parts
Full Definition of BISECT
transitive verb
: to divide into two usually equal parts
intransitive verb
— bi·sec·tion \ˈbī-ˌsek-shən, bī-ˈ\ noun
— bi·sec·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
— bi·sec·tion·al·ly adverb
See bisect defined for English-language learners
See bisect defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of BISECT
1bi- + intersect
Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms
Rhymes with BISECT
abject, advect, affect, aspect, cathect, collect, confect, connect, convect, correct, cowl-necked, defect, deflect, deject, detect, direct, Dordrecht, effect, eject, elect, erect, ewe-necked, expect, goosenecked, infect, inflect, inject, insect, inspect, neglect, object, pandect, porrect, prefect, prelect, project, prospect, protect, refect, reflect, reject, resect, respect, ring-necked, roll-necked, select, stiff-necked, subject, suspect, traject, transect, trisect, Utrecht, V-necked
BISECT Defined for Kids
bisect
verb bi·sect \ˈbī-ˌsekt\
bi·sect·edbi·sect·ing
Definition of BISECT for Kids
1
: to divide into two equal parts
2
Word History of BISECT
When you bisect something you are cutting it in two. The word bisect itself will tell you that if you know Latin. The word was formed in English, but it came from two Latin elements. The bi- came from a Latin prefix meaning “two.” The -sect came from a Latin verb secare meaning “to cut.”
Learn More About BISECT
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up bisect? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).