polychotomous

adjective

poly·chot·o·mous ˌpä-lē-ˈkä-tə-məs

: dividing or marked by division into many parts, branches, or classes

polychotomy

ˌpä-lē-ˈkä-tə-mē

noun

Word History

Etymology

poly- + -chotomous (as in dichotomous)

First Known Use

circa 1858, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of polychotomous was circa 1858

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Browse Nearby Words

polychord

polychotomous

polychotomous key

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Polychotomous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polychotomous. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

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