dichotomy

About 2.86 uses per million words.

Meaning

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

Similar words

division divide partition split schism distinction difference chapter dilemma separation

Often followed by

between of is in that and was has which

Word family

dichotomies false dichotomies false dichotomy