Secare

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To cut, divide, or separate something, often using a sharp instrument; to detach or sever parts apart; to slice through or bisect an object
2. To make an incision or split by means of a blade or sharp edge; to break apart or disconnect segments; to cleave or carve into distinct sections
3. To perform the action of dividing or cleaving material into pieces; to sever connections or linkages; to cut through for separation or removal purposes

Etymology: Latin "secare" meant to cut, cut off, or divide, and it sits behind a surprising number of English words. Its past participle, "sectus," gave us "section," "dissect," and "bisect," the last meaning to cut a line or figure into two equal halves. The most unexpected link is the sickle. Latin formed "secula," a cutting tool, from "secare," and early Germanic speakers borrowed it. Old English "sicol" is the same tool under a changed shape, so a farm implement and a verb about slicing share a root. Another descendant is "insect." Latin "insectum" meant "cut into," a translation of a Greek term, because the insect's body looks notched into separate segments. "Segment" comes from the same family of Latin cutting words.

Synonyms: cut, sever, slice, divide, cleave

Antonyms: join, connect, attach, unite, mend