moiety (moi¦ety)

noun (plural moieties)

• each of two parts into which a thing is or can be divided: the tax was to be delivered in two moieties
• Anthropology each of two social or ritual groups into which a people is divided, especially among Australian Aborigines and some American Indians.
• a part or portion, especially a lesser share.
• Chemistry a distinct part of a large molecule: the enzyme removes the sulphate moiety