/ dīˈkädəmē /, noun: 1. a division or contrast between two things; opposing or contradictory qualities “Never permit a dichotomy to rule your life, a dichotomy in which you hate what you do so you can have pleasure in your spare time. Look for a situation in which your work will give you as much happiness as your spare time.” Pablo Picasso 2. Botany: a system or process of branching where the main axis splits repeatedly (into two branches) example: one’s family tree 3. Astronomy: the phase of the moon or an inferior planet in which half its surface appears illuminated example: half moon (the first and third quarter moon phases)