bifurcation (thing)

1. Split into two parts.
2. A change in the stability or in the types of solutions which occurs as a parameter is varied in a dissipative dynamic system. The change can be seen as a "bifurcation point" in a graph of the parameter being varied vs. one of the properties of the solutions.

From the BioTech Dictionary at http://biotech.icmb.utexas.edu/. For further information see the BioTech homenode.