adjective 1.Botany. arranged alternately in two vertical rows on opposite sides of an axis, as leaves.
2.Zoology. divided into two parts.
Origin: 1745–55; <
Latin distichus (<
Greek dístichos (adj.); see
distich), with
-ous for
Latin -us adj. suffix
Related forms dis·ti·chous·ly, adverb
sub·dis·ti·chous, adjective
sub·dis·ti·chous·ly, adverb