schism

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Noun 1.3.1 Synonyms 1.3.2 Antonyms 1.3.3 Related terms 1.3.4 Translations

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

From Ancient Greek σχίσμα (schisma) "division" < σχίζω (schizō) "I split"; from Old French cisme or scisme.

[edit] Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈskɪzəm/, /ˈsɪzəm/
•  Audio (US)^{help, file}
•  Audio (US)^{help, file}

[edit] Noun

schism (plural schisms)

1. A split or separation within a group or organization, typically caused by discord.
2. A formal division or split within a religious body.
3. (Catholicism) a split within Christianity whereby a group no longer recognizes the Bishop of Rome as the head of the Church, but shares essentially the same beliefs with the Church of Rome. In other words, a political split without the introduction of heresy.

[edit] Synonyms

• (split or separation): division, separation, split

[edit] Antonyms

• (split, division, separation): unity

[edit] Related terms

• schismatic

[edit] Translations