WordWeb Online

1. Division of a group into opposing factions
   "another schism like that and they will wind up in bankruptcy"
   - split
    
2. The formal separation of a church into two churches or the withdrawal of one group over doctrinal differences

Derived forms: schisms

See also: schismatic

Type of: breach, break, division, falling out, rift, rupture, severance

Encyclopedia: Schism Schism, Eastern