DICHOTOMY

dichotomy, duality

(noun) being twofold; a classification into two opposed parts or subclasses; “the dichotomy between eastern and western culture”

Source: WordNet® 3.1

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Etymology

Noun

dichotomy (countable and uncountable, plural dichotomies)

A separation or division into two; a distinction that results in such a division.

Such a division involving apparently incompatible or opposite principles; a duality.

(logic) The division of a class into two disjoint subclasses that are together comprehensive, as the division of man into white and not white.

(biology, taxonomy) The division of a genus into two species; a division into two subordinate parts.

(astronomy) A phase of the moon when it appears half lit and half dark, as at the quadratures.

(biology) Division and subdivision; bifurcation, as of a stem of a plant or a vein of the body into two parts as it proceeds from its origin; often successive.

Synonyms

• (separation or division into two): See bisection

• (division into parts): partition, trichotomy

Anagrams

• cymothoid

Source: Wiktionary

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Di*chot"o*my, n. Etym: [Gr. dichotomie. See Dichotomous.]

1. A cutting in two; a division. A general breach or dichotomy with their church. Sir T. Browne.

2. Division or distribution of genera into two species; division into two subordinate parts.

3. (Astron.)

Definition: That phase of the moon in which it appears bisected, or shows only half its disk, as at the quadratures.

4. (Biol.)

Definition: Successive division and subdivision, as of a stem of a plant or a vein of the body, into two parts as it proceeds from its origin; successive bifurcation.

5. The place where a stem or vein is forked.

6. (Logic)

Definition: Division into two; especially, the division of a class into two subclasses opposed to each other by contradiction, as the division of the term man into white and not white.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition

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