trichotomous, a.
(trɪ-, traɪˈkɒtəməs)
[f. Gr. τρίχα triply + -τοµ-ος cut + -ous; cf. dichotomous.]
1. Bot. Dividing into three branches; so branched that each successive axis divides into three.
| 1800 Misc. Tr. in Asiatic Ann. Reg. 273/2 Peduncles axillary,..trichotomous. 1806 J. Galpine Brit. Bot. §29 Aira... Culm almost naked: pan[icle] spreading trichotomous. 1880 S. Yosino in Sir E. J. Reed Japan II. 44 note, Its stem and branches are trichotomous. |
2. Making three divisions, classes, or categories; involving or of the nature of trichotomy.
| 1855 N. Lindley Introd. Jurisprudence App. 85 The passages cited..are all against the trichotomous and in favour of the dichotomous division of culpa. 1899 Robertson in Expositor May 351 A trichotomous psychology. |
Hence triˈchotomously adv.
| 1830 Lindley Nat. Syst. Bot. 204 Flowers in regular cymes, branched bi- or trichotomously. 1853 Royle Mat. Med. (ed. 2) 444 Panicles short, trichotomously divided. |