# vicariance

> English word · Noun

## Definitions
1. The separation of a group of organisms by a geographic barrier, resulting in differentiation of the original group into new varieties or species.
2. The geological event which produces such a barrier (volcano, earthquake, etc)
3. The act of experiencing an event by proxy through an empathic link with the person who is experiencing the event firsthand.

## Etymology
From vicariant + -ance.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/vicariance