dichotomous
UK: daɪˈkɒtəməs | US: daɪˈkɑːtəməs
adj. divided or dividing into two sharply distinguished parts or classifications
adj. (botany) forked or branching into two equal parts
dichotomous = dicho<cut in two> + tomous<cutting>
- dicho (from Greek dikho-, meaning "in two, apart")
- tomous (from Greek -tomos, meaning "cutting," derived from temnein "to cut")
Etymology Origin:
The word "dichotomous" originates from Greek dichotomia ("a cutting in half"), combining dikho- (twofold division) and -tomia (cutting). It entered English via Late Latin dichotomos, retaining its core meaning of binary division. The term is widely used in biology (e.g., dichotomous branching in plants) and logic (e.g., dichotomous thinking). The morphemes vividly reflect the concept of splitting into two distinct parts.
The dichotomous nature of the debate left no room for compromise.
Botanists study dichotomous leaf veins to classify plant species.
His dichotomous worldview simplified complex issues into "right" or "wrong."
The survey used a dichotomous scale (agree/disagree) for quick responses.
Evolutionary trees often show dichotomous branching patterns.