disjunction

UK: dɪsˈdʒʌŋkʃən | US: dɪsˈdʒʌŋkʃən

Definition
  1. n. a lack of connection or continuity; a sharp separation

  2. n. (logic) a compound statement using "or" to connect propositions

  3. n. (biology) the separation of chromosomes during meiosis

Structure
dis <apart>junct <join>ion <noun suffix>
Etymology

Derived from Latin disiunctio, combining dis- (apart) and iungere (to join). The morpheme junct preserves the Latin root iunct-, reflecting the idea of joining or connection. Over time, the prefix dis- inverted the meaning to emphasize separation, particularly in logic (where it denotes alternatives) and biology (chromosome separation). The suffix -ion nominalizes the action.

Examples
  1. The disjunction between theory and practice hindered progress.

  2. In logic, "A ∨ B" represents a disjunction.

  3. Genetic diversity arises from chromosomal disjunction during meiosis.

  4. His speech revealed a disjunction between his words and intentions.

  5. The artist explored the disjunction of time and space in her installation.