Definition of DICHOTOMOUS
- ️Tue Jan 14 2025
1
: dividing into two parts
2
: relating to, involving, or proceeding from dichotomy
the plant's dichotomous branching can't be split into dichotomous categories
Examples of dichotomous in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
By Stephanie McNeal January 3, 2025 The hottest accessory of the holiday season is elusive yet attainable, affordable yet hard to find, and has a name that demonstrates its dichotomous nature.
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Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 3 Jan. 2025
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
See all Example Sentences for dichotomous 
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
Time Traveler
The first known use of dichotomous was in 1752
Dictionary Entries Near dichotomous
Cite this Entry
“Dichotomous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dichotomous. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.
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Last Updated: 14 Jan 2025 - Updated example sentences
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