dichotomous

adjective

di·​chot·​o·​mous dī-ˈkä-tə-məs 

 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

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

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

Phrases Containing dichotomous

• dichotomous key

Kids Definition

dichotomous

adjective

di·​chot·​o·​mous dī-ˈkät-ə-məs 

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