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

Dicho- 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.

What are variants of dicho-?

When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, dicho- becomes dich-, as in dichoptic.

A dichotomy is a “division into two, often contradictory parts.”

The dicho- part of the word means “in two.” So, what about the -tomy portion of the word? That’s right, it means “cutting.” Dichotomy literally translates to “cutting in two.”

The word comes from the Greek �徱����dzٴdz�í��, which uses an equivalent of the form dicho- in the language.

What are some words that use the combining form dicho-?

• dichogamy (using the equivalent form of dicho- in German)
• dichogamous
• dichotomize (using the equivalent form of dicho- in Latin)
• dichotomous (using the equivalent form of dicho- in Greek)

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

• deci-
• disco-
• dolicho-
• deutero-
• tricho-

The combining form -gamous means “having gametes or reproductive organs” of a kind specified by the first part of the word.

Based on the meaning of dicho-, do the reproductive organs of a dichogamous plant mature at the same time?