trifid

adjective

tri·​fid ˈtrī-ˌfid How to pronounce trifid (audio)
-fəd
: being deeply and narrowly cleft into three teeth, processes, or points
a spoon with a trifid top

Word History

Etymology

Latin trifidus split into three, from tri- + findere to split — more at bite

First Known Use

circa 1753, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of trifid was circa 1753

Dictionary Entries Near trifid

Cite this Entry

“Trifid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trifid. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

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