Dichotomy

Quick meaning: Dichotomy is a noun meaning A separation or division into two; a distinction that results in such a division.

Meaning

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

More Meanings

1. Such a division involving apparently incompatible or opposite principles; a duality.
2. (logic) The division of a class into two disjoint subclasses that are together comprehensive, as the division of human into female and male.
3. (biology, taxonomy) The division of a genus into two species; a division into two subordinate parts.
4. (astronomy) A phase of the moon when it appears half lit and half dark, for example at the quadratures.
5. (botany) Division and subdivision; bifurcation, such as that of a stem of a plant or a vein of the body into two parts as it proceeds from its origin; often successive.

Example Sentences

The dichotomy between maria and highlands dominates lunar mineralogy.

The Ides of Januarius indeed, the preceding month, must have fallen on March 1 at midnight, two days before the first dichotomy of the mean new moon of that month, March 3 at midnight.

But in the fallacy of false dichotomy, not only do the two alternatives fail to be jointly exhaustive, but they are not even likely. As a result, the disjunctive premise is false, or at least probably false.

All of this previous analysis was based on two related ideas: the classical dichotomy and monetary neutrality. Recall that the classical dichotomy is the separation of variables into real variables (those that measure quantities or relative prices) and nominal variables (those measured in terms of money).

Word Forms

• dichotomies

Synonyms for dichotomy

Depending on context, synonyms include bisection, partition, trichotomy.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include division, divide, partition, split, schism, distinction.

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