bicameral

/ˈbaɪˌkæmərəl/

/baɪˈkæmrəl/

If your committee has two distinct groups responsible for setting rules and developing policies, then you’re involved in a bicameral system, meaning that there are two separate branches making up the system.

You’ve probably noticed the prefix bi- and know that it’s a tip-off that this word is likely going to describe something that has two parts. You’re right. The word bicameral originates from the Latin bi-, meaning "two," combined with camera, meaning "chamber." Chamber is just another way of referring to a legislative branch of a government or other official organization. You’re probably already familiar with one famous bicameral system: the U.S. Congress, which is made up of two chambers: the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Definitions of bicameral

1. adjective

   consisting of two chambers
   “the bicameral heart of a fish”

   synonyms: two-chambered

   divided

   separated into parts or pieces
2. adjective

   composed of two legislative bodies
   antonyms:

   unicameral

   composed of one legislative body