Definition of dichotomy

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< dichotomous

dichroic >

di·chot·o·my    (d-kt-m) KEY  

NOUN:
pl. di·chot·o·mies

1. Division into two usually contradictory parts or opinions: "the dichotomy of the one and the many" (Louis Auchincloss).
2. Astronomy The phase of the moon, Mercury, or Venus when half of the disk is illuminated.
3. Botany Branching characterized by successive forking into two approximately equal divisions.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Greek dikhotomi, from dikhotomos, divided in two : dikho-, dicho- + temnein, to cut; see tem- in Indo-European roots

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