Trichotomy

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /tɹaɪˈkÉ’t.É™.mi/
• US IPA: /tɹaɪˈkÉ‘t.É™.mi/
• Rhymes: -É’tÉ™mi

Full definition of trichotomy

Noun

1. Division or separation into three groups or pieces.
2. (algebra) the following property of an order relation (e.g., "less than"): for any two elements (of a given algebraic structure) there are exactly three possibilities: either the first element is less than the second one, the second element is less than the first one, or the two elements are equal.

Related terms

• dichotomy
• trichotomous