Definition

A situation in which something is divided into more than two parts or categories.

Example

The study of the species revealed a polychotomy in their evolutionary paths.

Conversation

Have you ever heard the term polychotomy?

Yeah, I think it refers to a branching or splitting in classification, right?

Exactly! I came across it while studying biology and found it fascinating.

It really is interesting how it helps in understanding complex relationships.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Polychotomy is formed from "poly-" (meaning many) and "chotomy" (from Greek "chotomia", meaning to cut). The word refers to the division into many parts or branches.

Memory Tip

Think of 'many' ('poly-') divisions or 'cuts' ('chotomy') to remember that polychotomy means a division into many parts.

Visually Confused Words