parting
n. C / U B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈpɑɹtɪŋ// UK //pˈɑːtɪŋ// part·ing
n. the act of leaving someone or saying goodbye. It can also mean the line on your head where you comb your hair in different directions.
n. the act of departing or separating from someone; a leave-taking. Also refers to a line of scalp that is visible when hair is combed in opposite directions.
Their parting at the airport was very emotional.
After twenty years of working together, their parting was professional but clearly difficult for the whole team.
The poet describes the bittersweet nature of their parting, suggesting that every goodbye contains the seed of a future meeting.
By surface analysis, part + -ing.
Usage
Often used in the phrase 'parting of the ways' to describe a permanent separation or disagreement.