bifurcation A splitting in two. The term can be applied in computing in various ways. 1 Bifurcation is the generic name for a collection of algorithms that initially convert a decision table into a tree structure, which can then be systematically encoded to produce a program.

The bifurcation method involves choosing some condition C and eliminating it from the decision table to produce two subtables, one corresponding to the case when C is true and the other to when C is false. The method is then applied recursively to the two subtables. From this approach a decision tree can be built, each node of the tree representing a condition and subtrees representing subtables; leaf nodes identify rules.2 Bifurcation theory is the theory of equilibrium solutions of nonlinear differential equations; an equilibrium solution is a steady solution, a time periodic, or a quasi-periodic solution. Generally bifurcation points are points at which branches and therefore multiple solutions appear.

bi·fur·ca·tion / ˌbīfərˈkāshən/ • n. the division of something into two branches or parts: the bifurcation of the profession into social do-gooders and self-serving iconoclasts. ∎  a thing divided in this way or either of the branches: the bifurcation of the aorta is a site commonly affected first.

bifurcation ratio A dimensionless number denoting the ratio between the number of streams of one order (see stream order) and those of the next higher order in a drainage network. It may be a useful measure of proneness to flooding: the higher the bifurcation ratio, the greater the probability of flooding.

bifurcation ratio Dimensionless number denoting the ratio between the number of streams of one order (see STREAM ORDER) and those of the next-higher order in a drainage network. It may be a useful measure of proneness to flooding: the higher the bifurcation ratio, the greater the probability of flooding.

bifurcation In a phylogenetic (see PHYLOGENY) tree, the dichotomous forking of an ancestral branch which indicates a speciation event.