dichotomous key
noun
: a key for the identification of organisms based on a series of choices between alternative characters
Examples of dichotomous key in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The team says that what makes this dichotomous key valuable is its potential to reveal when and where key events in a shark’s life occur.
—
Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
The team created a dichotomous key (a series of yes/no questions) to help other researchers consistently identify the cause of a wound.
—Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
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.
Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
The team created a dichotomous key (a series of yes/no questions) to help other researchers consistently identify the cause of a wound.
—Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dichotomous key.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dichotomous%20key. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share