binary system
noun
: binary star
also
: a similar system containing bodies (such as black holes) other than stars
Examples of binary system in a Sentence
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Discovered in the 1960s, the binary system is located in the Milky Way within the Cygnus, or swan, constellation.
—
Marcia Dunn, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026
Such clean behavior strongly points to an origin in isolated binary systems, where two stars are born together, evolve side by side, exchange mass, and eventually collapse into black holes that merge without interference from their surroundings.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 12 Apr. 2026
About 15% of near-Earth asteroids are estimated to be binary systems, in which a smaller asteroid orbits a larger companion.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 11 Mar. 2026
Now, further observations of the aftermath of the mission – which entailed intentionally slamming a vehicle into a space rock – is revealing something unexpected in the binary system of asteroids.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 10 Mar. 2026
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Marcia Dunn, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026
Such clean behavior strongly points to an origin in isolated binary systems, where two stars are born together, evolve side by side, exchange mass, and eventually collapse into black holes that merge without interference from their surroundings.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 12 Apr. 2026
About 15% of near-Earth asteroids are estimated to be binary systems, in which a smaller asteroid orbits a larger companion.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 11 Mar. 2026
Now, further observations of the aftermath of the mission – which entailed intentionally slamming a vehicle into a space rock – is revealing something unexpected in the binary system of asteroids.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for binary system
Cite this Entry
“Binary system.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/binary%20system. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
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