division

 
Pronunciation: /dɪˈvɪʒ(ə)n/

noun

[mass noun]
  • 1the action of separating something into parts or the process of being separated: the division of the land into small fields a gene that helps regulate cell division
  • the distribution of something separated into parts: the division of his estates between the two branches of his family
  • [count noun] an instance of members of a legislative body separating into two groups to vote: the new clause was agreed without a division
  • Logic the action of dividing a wider class into two or more subclasses.
  • 2difference or disagreement between two or more groups, typically producing tension: a growing sense of division between north and south [count noun]: a country with ethnic and cultural divisions
  • 3the process of dividing one number by another: no multiplication or division is necessary
  • Mathematics the process of dividing a matrix, vector, or other quantity by another under specific rules to obtain a quotient.
  • 4 [count noun] each of the parts into which something is divided: the main divisions of the book
  • a major section of an organization, with responsibility for a particular area of activity: a retail division
  • a group of army brigades or regiments: an infantry division
  • a number of teams or competitors grouped together in a sport for competitive purposes according to such characteristics as ability or weight: the club will finish second in Division One
  • a part of a county, country, or city defined for administrative or political purposes: a licensing division of a district
  • British a part of a county or borough forming a parliamentary constituency: he was MP for the Lancaster division of North Lancashire
  • Botany a principal taxonomic category that ranks above class and below kingdom, equivalent to the phylum in zoology.
  • Zoology any subsidiary category between major levels of classification.
  • 5 [count noun] a partition: the villagers lived in a communal building and there were no solid divisions between neighbours

Phrases

division of labour

the assignment of different parts of a manufacturing process or task to different people in order to improve efficiency.

Origin:

late Middle English: from Old French devisiun, from Latin divisio(n-), from the verb dividere (see divide)