moiety

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moi·e·ty / ˈmoiətē/ • n. (pl. -ties) formal or technical each of two parts into which a thing is or can be divided. ∎  Anthropol. each of two social or ritual groups into which a people is divided, esp. among Australian Aboriginals and some American Indians. ∎  a part or portion, esp. a lesser share. ∎  Chem. a distinct part of a large molecule: the enzyme removes the sulfate moiety.

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