binary system

noun

: binary star

also : a similar system containing bodies (such as black holes) other than stars

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Misgendering is constant in a binary system. —

Jennifer Harvey, CNN, 20 June 2022 This confirmed assumptions that a binary system created the nebula. —

Fionna M. D. Samuels, Scientific American, 21 July 2022 The planet’s host binary system consists of a neutron star or black hole which is devouring a massive nearby star at a huge rate. —

The Physics Arxiv Blog, Discover Magazine, 24 Sep. 2020 The stars, recently imaged with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), are giving astronomers a unique look at a nascent binary system. —

Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 4 Oct. 2019 In comparison, the previous record holder for closest black hole is V616 Monocerotis, which is nestled in a binary system more than 3,000 light-years away. —

Eric Betz, Discover Magazine, 6 May 2020 What can be done outside of this binary system, and these fights over individual projects, to address the housing crisis? —

Curbed, 23 Nov. 2022 Gas sucked from a star crashes onto a spinning red disk around a black hole in this artist's illustration of the binary system GRO J1655-40. —

Mara Johnson-groh, Discover Magazine, 12 Dec. 2019 In more detailed follow-up observations through the Gemini North telescope, the team measured the orbital motion of the companion star and found that the binary system is indeed home to a normal star and at least one dormant black hole. —

Ariana Garcia, Chron, 10 Nov. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'binary system.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.