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

Recent Examples on the Web
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This form of stellar explosion occurs when the gravitational influence of a white dwarf star orbiting in a binary system strips mass from its nearby companion. Anthony Wood, Space.com, 26 June 2025 It's thought to be a classical nova, an outburst in a binary system where a white dwarf (the dense leftover core of a dying sun-like star) and an expanding red giant star orbit each other. Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025 But there are also plenty of tight binary systems, where the stars orbit each other at a radius that would place them both comfortably inside our Solar System. John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 22 May 2025 Spica is actually not one star but two, what is known as a binary system. Anthony Wood, Space.com, 5 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for binary system

Word History

First Known Use

1802, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of binary system was in 1802

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Cite this Entry

“Binary system.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/binary%20system. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

binary system

noun
: a system of two objects that revolve around each other
especially : binary star

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