combining form repr. Gr. τρίχα, τριχῆ in three, triply: used in a few more or less technical words. These are modern, formed on the analogy of Gr. compounds in διχο-, DICHO-. (Gr. compounds in τριχο- are only from θρίξ, τριχ- hair: see prec.) Trichocladose a. Zool. [Gr. κλάδος shoot], having triple or trifurcate cladi or secondary rays, as a sponge-spicule. Trichotriæne Zool., in sponge-spicules, a triæne of which each of the three cladi is trifurcate. See also TRICHOTOMIC, etc.
1887. Sollas, in Encycl. Brit., XXII. 416 (Fig. 13) (Sponges) p, amphitriæne (this is trichocladose). Ibid., 423/2. Canal system diplodal Spicules trichotriænes.
