dichotomous

[ dih-kot-uh-muhs ]

adjective

1. divided or dividing into two parts.
2. of or relating to dichotomy.

Other Words From

• di·choto·mous·ly adverb
• di·choto·mous·ness noun
• nondi·choto·mous adjective
• nondi·choto·mous·ly adverb
• undi·choto·mous adjective
• undi·choto·mous·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of dichotomous¹

1680–90; < Late Latin dichotomos < Greek dichótomos. See dicho-, -tome, -ous

Example Sentences

In fact, we seem to have an innate tendency to oversimplify the more complex conflicts we face, resulting in dichotomous, us-them thinking.

From Time

“So far, psychologists worked with this dichotomy — a dichotomous model of well-being about life,” says psychologist Shigehiro Oishi.

From Science News

To appreciate the Palmer paradox, it's important to understand that Palmer's childhood and young adulthood were dichotomous.

From The Daily Beast

Or rather, it hints at how elusive a clear view of the dichotomous Palmer can be.

From The Daily Beast

In these there is a thallus which starts from a central point and continually divides in a forked or dichotomous manner.

From Project Gutenberg

These dichotomous processes are nothing more than branches developed from the arcuate, or mother cells.

From Project Gutenberg

The caudal fin, with its dichotomous rays, is essentially like the tail of a lamprey.

From Project Gutenberg

Fruit an obscurely 3-lobed, 3-celled, 3-seeded pod in dichotomous clusters, both axillary and terminal.

From Project Gutenberg

Thallus radiate or dichotomous, the epidermis usually porose.

From Project Gutenberg