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binomial

noun
bi·​no·​mi·​al | \bī-ˈnō-mē-əl \

Definition of binomial 

1 : a mathematical expression consisting of two terms connected by a plus sign or minus sign

2 : a biological species name consisting of two terms

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Other Words from binomial

binomial adjective
binomially \ bī-​ˈnō-​mē-​ə-​lē \ adverb

Examples of binomial in a Sentence

the binomial a + b

Recent Examples on the Web

 Before binomials, names of plants in books were lists or strings of words that formed a kind of nuanced description. — James Prosek, New York Times, "A Botanist in Swedish Lapland," 16 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'binomial.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of binomial

1557, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for binomial

New Latin binomium, from Medieval Latin, neuter of binomius having two names, alteration of Latin binominis, from bi- + nomin-, nomen name — more at name

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Time Traveler for binomial

The first known use of binomial was in 1557

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More Definitions for binomial

binomial

noun

English Language Learners Definition of binomial

mathematics : an expression consisting of two terms connected by a plus sign or minus sign

See the full definition for binomial in the English Language Learners Dictionary

binomial

noun
bi·​no·​mi·​al | \bī-ˈnō-mē-əl \

Medical Definition of binomial 

: a biological species name consisting of two terms

Other Words from binomial

binomial adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on binomial

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about binomial

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