dichotomy
UK /daɪˈkɒtəmi/ · US /daɪˈkɑtəmi/ noun
Forms dichotomies
- noun A separation or division into two; a distinction that results in such a division.
- noun Such a division involving apparently incompatible or opposite principles; a duality.
- noun (logic) The division of a class into two disjoint subclasses that are together comprehensive, as the division of human into female and male.
- noun (biology, taxonomy) The division of a genus into two species; a division into two subordinate parts.
- noun (astronomy) A phase of the moon when it appears half lit and half dark, for example at the quadratures.
- noun (botany) Division and subdivision; bifurcation, such as that of a stem of a plant or a vein of the body into two parts as it proceeds from its origin; often successive.
Synonyms
Etymology
From Ancient Greek διχοτομία (dikhotomía, “dichotomy”).
Webster’s 1913
- noun A cutting in two; a division.
- noun Division or distribution of genera into two species; division into two subordinate parts.
Etymology [Gr. dichotomie. See Dichotomous.]
Sources: Wiktionary · WordNet 3.0 · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “dichotomy”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details