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polytomy

noun po·lyt·o·my \ -mē \

Definition of polytomy

plural -es
1 : polytomous character or condition
  • a typical polytomy consists of a whorl of three to six branches surrounding an open axil
  • —Bryologist
2 : division into more members or classes than three — compare trichotomy

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Origin and Etymology of polytomy

International Scientific Vocabulary poly- + -tomy

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