dichotomous

adjective

di·​chot·​o·​mous dī-ˈkä-tə-məs How to pronounce dichotomous (audio)
 also  də-
1
: dividing into two parts
2
: relating to, involving, or proceeding from dichotomy
the plant's dichotomous branching
a dichotomous approach
can't be split into dichotomous categories
dichotomously adverb
dichotomousness noun

Examples of dichotomous in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The music of 1984 is a definite dual, dichotomous reflection of the need for expression and escape. Spin Staff, SPIN, 30 Sep. 2024 The producer uses Goulding’s voice to thread the production together, weaving it like silk through his own propulsive and dichotomous distorted beats and glowing chimes. Billboard Staff, Billboard, 13 Sep. 2024 New data from an upcoming paper that studies tornadoes through 2022 shows that this dichotomous trend is continuing, Trapp said. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 13 May 2024 That dichotomous talent has opened dozens of doors for him, but Chalamet always comes across as warm and alive. EW.com, 18 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dichotomous 

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Late Latin dichotomos, borrowed from Greek dichótomos "cut in half, divided equally," from dicho- dicho- + -tomos, adjective derivative from the base of témnein "to cut" — more at tome

First Known Use

1752, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dichotomous was in 1752

Dictionary Entries Near dichotomous

Cite this Entry

“Dichotomous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dichotomous. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

dichotomous

adjective
di·​chot·​o·​mous dī-ˈkät-ə-məs How to pronounce dichotomous (audio)
1
: dividing into two parts or groups
2
: relating to, involving, or resulting from dichotomy

Medical Definition

dichotomous

adjective
di·​chot·​o·​mous
dī-ˈkät-ə-məs also də-
: dividing into two parts
dichotomous branching
dichotomously adverb

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