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Glite Dictionary
trichotomous

trichotomous

9.9
Divided into three separate parts
  • adjective
  • /traɪˈkɒtəməs/
translation icon : tricotómico
  • Frequency was measured dichotomously, and the only aspect of content assessed was success, which was assessed with a dichotomous or trichotomous measure.
  • trichotomous variable

Examples

  • For the survey, we used a trichotomous scale to measure responses: satisfied, neutral, or dissatisfied.

  • For the current study, trichotomous LBS item responses were coded to reflect maladaptive behavior frequency (i.e., most of the time = 2, sometimes = 1, or does not occur = 0).

    Academic text (2004)

  • Dichotomous or trichotomous indicators are too crude.

    Academic text (1990)

  • Living arrangements were analyzed as a trichotomous variable: living with a relative, living on their own or with a roommate, and no permanent living arrangement.

    Academic text (2006)

  • Employment was analyzed as a trichotomous variable: unemployed (retired, disabled, homemaker, student), occasional work, and regular employment.

    Academic text (2006)

  • The proportional odds model is the best choice of models when the dependent variable is on a Likert scale, as is the case for the LBS with its trichotomous item ratings coded 2, 1, or 0.

    Academic text (2004)

  • BMI percentile (underweight/normal, overweight, or obese) was modeled as a trichotomous nominal outcome variable, while physical activity was the predictor variable.

    Academic text (2012)

  • The research categorized mental health into a trichotomous framework: anxiety, depression, or stress.

  • The classification of animals in this study was trichotomous, separating them into mammals, birds, and reptiles.

Synonyms

threefold
vstrichotomous
3 4.5

Having three parts or aspects

is split into three clearly separate categories or branches
ternary
vstrichotomous
  • Specialized
7.7

Having three parts

focuses on dividing things into three distinct categories or branches
triadic
vstrichotomous
6.9

Having three parts or people working together

is about splitting into three separate categories or branches rather than a relation

Surface Forms

trichotomous positive

Morphology

trichotomous = trichotomy (transparent) = trichotomy + ous

The adjective is directly formed from the noun 'trichotomy' plus the productive adjectival suffix '-ous', so the meaning follows straightforwardly.

Etymology

Trichotomous combines tri- 'three' and -tomous from a root that means 'cut into parts'. Like dichotomy ('cut into two'), it means something is divided into three separate parts.