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polytomy

noun
po·​lyt·​o·​my | \-mē\
plural -es

Definition of polytomy 

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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History and Etymology for polytomy

International Scientific Vocabulary poly- + -tomy

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