Bifurcation: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฟ
bifurcation
[ หbษชfษrหkeษชสษn ]
mathematics, biology
Bifurcation refers to a phenomenon in which a small change in the parameter values of a system leads to a sudden qualitative change in its behavior. In mathematics, it often describes the splitting of a single structure into two distinct branches. This concept is crucial in various fields, including physics, where it can describe phase transitions, and in biology, where it can refer to evolutionary paths. Understanding bifurcation helps in analyzing systemsโ stability and patterns of behavior.
Synonyms
branching, division, splitting.
Examples of usage
- The bifurcation of the river creates two distinct water flow patterns.
- Bifurcation theory helps predict the behavior of dynamical systems under varying conditions.
- In ecology, bifurcation can explain the divergence of species over time.
- Mathematicians study bifurcation points to understand system changes.
Translations
Translations of the word "bifurcation" in other languages:
๐ต๐น bifurcaรงรฃo
๐ฎ๐ณ เคตเคฟเคญเคพเคเคจ
๐ฉ๐ช Gabelung
๐ฎ๐ฉ bifurkasi
๐บ๐ฆ ะฑะธัััะบะฐััั
๐ต๐ฑ bifurkacja
๐ฏ๐ต ไบ่กๅๅฒ
๐ซ๐ท bifurcation
๐ช๐ธ bifurcaciรณn
๐น๐ท bifurkasyon
๐ฐ๐ท ๋ถ๊ธฐ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุชูุฑุน
๐จ๐ฟ bifurkace
๐ธ๐ฐ bifurkรกcia
๐จ๐ณ ๅๅ
๐ธ๐ฎ bifurkacija
๐ฎ๐ธ grein
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะฑะธัััะบะฐัะธั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแคแฃแ แแแชแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ bifurkasiya
๐ฒ๐ฝ bifurcaciรณn
Etymology
The term 'bifurcation' originates from the Latin word 'bifurcus', which means 'two-pronged' or 'forked'. The prefix 'bi-' means 'two', and 'furca' translates to 'fork'. The word has been used in various contexts since the 18th century, particularly gaining traction in mathematical and scientific literature. In mathematics, bifurcation theory developed as a key analytical tool in the 20th century, allowing researchers to study critical transitions in nonlinear systems. As this concept found applications in diverse fields such as biology and physics, its understanding has become increasingly integral to comprehending complex dynamic behaviors.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #15,856, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.
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