Schism

sizm, n. Division or separation permanent division or separation in the Christian church, occasioned by diversity of opinions, or other reason. [F. schisme, L. and Gr. schisma, fr. Gr. skizein, fut. schiso, to cleave L. scinderre, Skr. chhid, to cut, E. schist, squill, schedule, rescind.] — Schism at'ic, -mafik, -mat'ical, a. Pert, to or implying, schism partaking of the nature of schism tending to schism. — Schismatic, n. One who separates from an established church or religious faith heretic partisan. Schist, shist, (Geol.) A rock having a schistose structure, — used esp. of some kinds of metamorphic rocks. [Gr. schistos, easily cleft, schizein: see Schism.] — Schistose'', -os', Schisfous, -us, a. Admitting of division by natural cleavage into flags, slabs, or slates, — used esp. of metamorphic rocks.