binary

²binary

adj

Definition of BINARY

1

: compounded or consisting of or marked by two things or parts

2

a : duple —used of measure or rhythm b : having two musical subjects or two complementary sections

3

a : relating to, being, or belonging to a system of numbers having 2 as its base <the binary digits 0 and 1> b : involving a choice or condition of two alternatives (as on-off or yes-no)

4

a : composed of two chemical elements, an element and a radical that acts as an element, or two such radicals b : utilizing two harmless ingredients that upon combining form a lethal substance (as a gas) <binary weapons>

5

: relating two logical or mathematical elements <a binary operation>

6

: of or relating to the use of stable oppositions (as good and evil) to analyze a subject or create a structural model <the binary opposition of male and female — Joan W. Scott>

Examples of BINARY

1. <a binary star is a system of two stars that revolve around each other under their mutual gravitation>

Origin of BINARY

Late Latin binarius, from Latin bini two by two — more at bin-

First Known Use: 1597

Related to BINARY

Synonyms: double, bipartite, double-barreled, double-edged, dual, duplex, twin, twofold

Antonyms: single

Related Words: mated, paired

Near Antonyms: unpaired

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Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms

abscissa, denominator, divisor, equilateral, exponent, hypotenuse, logarithm, oblique, radii, rhomb