# dichotomy

> English word · Noun · IPA /daɪˈkɒtəmi/ · frequency rank #25,732

## Definitions
1. A separation or division into two; a distinction that results in such a division.
2. Such a division involving apparently incompatible or opposite principles; a duality.
3. The division of a class into two disjoint subclasses that are together comprehensive, as the division of human into female and male.
4. The division of a genus into two species; a division into two subordinate parts.
5. A phase of the moon when it appears half lit and half dark, for example at the quadratures.
6. 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.

## Etymology
From Ancient Greek διχοτομία (dikhotomía, “dichotomy”).

## Common misspellings (14)
`dcihotomy`, `ddichotomy`, `dicchotomy`, `dichhotomy`, `dichootmy`, `dichotmoy`, `dichotommy`, `dichotomyy`, `dichotoym`, `dichottomy`, `dichtoomy`, `dicohtomy`, `dihcotomy`, `idchotomy`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/dichotomy