different between quadfurcated vs trifurcate

English

Etymology

quad- +? furcated

Adjective

quadfurcated (not comparable)

1. (nonstandard, rare) = quadrifurcate, quadrifurcated
   • 1968, Pulp & Paper, volume 42, Miller Freeman Publications, page 40:

     The gasketed slidewire has a quadfurcated contactor for assuring that at least one or more contacts provide electrical continuity at all times despite the presence of dust or vibrations, it is claimed.

   • 1990, Chemical Abstracts, American Chemical Society, volume 112, page 837:

     A combustion flame is fed by a diverted portion of a process stream and the common end of a bifurcated or quadfurcated fiber-optic light guide is adapted to collect light from the flame.

Related terms

• quadfurcation

English

Etymology

From Latin trifurcus, from tri- (“three”) + furca (“fork”).

Adjective

trifurcate (not comparable)

1. Forked, with three tines or points.

Verb

trifurcate (third-person singular simple present trifurcates, present participle trifurcating, simple past and past participle trifurcated)

1. To divide or fork into three channels or branches.

Related terms

• bifurcate
• trifurcation
• quadfurcated