rhizoverbBeta
DictionarysubdivideDivide into smaller parts
verb

subdivide

sub-duh-VYDE/ˈsʌbdɪvaɪd/

To divide into smaller parts.

The short borders subdivide half the garden bed into three smaller plots.

Small rectangular garden bed first divided into two halves by a simple border, one half further split into three smaller plots by two short cross borders; further subdivision clear, sparse seedlings only and no labels.
Etymology
subLatinresulting from further division
+divideLatinto divide

Here sub- marks a further division: portions already separated are divided again. That original sense explains the emphasis on making smaller parts.

In context

Jerry Michalski95:38
we need to be careful about how many channels we end up having because it could easily proliferate and subdivide
2022-02-24 OGM Call: OGMing Well

More examples

  • The developer plans to subdivide the land into residential lots.
  • She subdivides each task into manageable steps.
  • The report is subdivided into sections by topic.

Forms

subdivide · subdivides · subdivided · subdividing

subdivision noun — The act or result of further division.

Similar words

divide
Divide is broader and need not involve further division.
partition
Partition emphasizes separating something into distinct sections or compartments.
split
Split often suggests a simpler or less systematic division.