dichotomous

American  

[dih-kot-uh-muhs] / dɪˈkɒt ə məs /

adjective

1. divided or dividing into two parts.

2. of or relating to dichotomy.

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Other Word Forms

• dichotomously adverb
• dichotomousness noun
• nondichotomous adjective
• nondichotomously adverb
• undichotomous adjective
• undichotomously adverb

Etymology

Origin of dichotomous

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

Example Sentences

Our recommendations support the use of probabilities instead of dichotomous “p-values” and the inclusion of findings from related studies to evaluate safety and effectiveness—an invaluable advancement for rare-disease research.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 23, 2026

Mycologists use dichotomous keys to identify the species of mushroom based on its physical characteristics including the cap, stem, ring and gills.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 8, 2026

Stepping in for Mena, Dudamel, who assumes his Philharmonic post in 2026, led, in his only subscription concert appearances this season, a dichotomous program of dazzling crowd-pleasers and a thorny modernist work with utmost finesse.

From New York Times • Apr. 28, 2024

In the paper, the authors argue that stress amplifies dichotomous thinking, also known as "black-and-white thinking."

From Salon • Jul. 28, 2022

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

From Fungi: Their Nature and Uses by Cooke, M. C. (Mordecai Cubitt)