51�Թ�

Dich- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “in two parts, in pairs.” It is used in a few, mostly technical terms.

Dich- comes from the Greek ��í����, meaning “in two” or “asunder” (in separate parts). The Greek ��í���� is based on the Greek ��í��, “twice, double,” ultimate source of the combining forms di- and diplo-. The English word two, in fact, is distantly related to the Greek ��í��. So are the combining forms bi-, bin-, duo-, and twi-. Double down on your word roots by checking out our 51�Թ�s That Use articles for the terms.

Dich- is a variant of dicho-, which loses its -o– when combined with words or word elements beginning with vowels.

Want to know more? Read our 51�Թ�s That Use dicho- article.

One example of a scientific term that features the combining form dich- is dichoptic, a zoology term used for certain flies whose eyes are wide apart.

The first portion of the word, dich-, means “in two parts.” So, what about the -optic part of the word? It refers to the eyes or eyesight. Dichoptic has a literal sense of “separated eyes” or “eyes in two.”

What are some words that use or are related to the combining form dich-?

• dichotic
• dichasium
• dichastasis

What are some other forms that dich- may be commonly confused with?

• dec-
• disc-
• dolicho-
• deuter-
• trich-

The word otic means “of or relating to the ear.” What does dichotic literally translate to?