1. The act of cutting off; the state of being cut off.
2. Civil procedure. The separation of claims, by the court, of multiple parties either to permit separate actions on each claim or to allow certain interlocutory orders to become final. — Also termed severance of actions; severance of claims. See bifurcated trial under TRIAL. Cf. CONSOLIDATION(3). [Cases: Action 60; Federal Civil Procedure 81. C.J.S. Actions §§ 220–228.]
3. The termination of a joint tenancy, usu. by converting it into a tenancy in common. [Cases: Joint Tenancy
4. C.J.S. Joint Tenancy §§ 16–20.]
4. The removal of anything (such as crops or minerals) attached or affixed to real property, making it personal property rather than a part of the land. • Mineral rights are frequently severed from surface rights on property that may contain oil and gas or other minerals. — sever, vb. — severable, adj.
