binary

1 of 2

noun

bi·na·ry ˈbī-nə-rē

-ˌner-ē

-ˌne-rē

plural binaries

Synonyms of binary next

: something made of two things or parts

specifically : binary star

mathematics : a number system based only on the numerals 0 and 1 : a binary (see binary entry 2 sense 3a) number system

42 is written as 101010 in binary.

: a division into two groups or classes that are considered diametrically opposite

Sam Killermann, a self-described "social justice comedian," is very serious about how far the complexities of identity go beyond the traditional binary of male or female.—

Katy Steinmetz

binary

2 of 2

adjective

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

music

: duple

—used of measure or rhythm

: having two musical subjects or two complementary sections

a song in binary form

mathematics : relating to, being, or belonging to a system of numbers having 2 as its base

the binary digits 0 and 1

: involving a choice or condition of two alternatives (such as on-off or yes-no)

chemistry : composed of two elements (see element sense 2e), an element and a radical (see radical entry 2 sense 4) that acts as an element, or two such radicals

: utilizing two harmless ingredients that upon combining form a lethal substance (such as a gas)

binary weapons

: relating two logical or mathematical elements

a binary operation

: of or relating to the use of stable oppositions (such as good and evil) to analyze a subject or create a structural model

the binary opposition of male and female—

Joan W. Scott

Did you know?

The animals went in two by two, the elephant and the kangaroo. . .. It was a binary parade of sorts that went into Noah's ark "for to get out of the rain" - the critters were represented in pairs. If you recall those partnered beasts, you'll remember the etymology of binary, because it traces to the Latin bini, which translates as "two by two." Although "binary" can be used for anything with two parts, it is now used especially in relation to computers and information processing. Digital computers use the binary number system, which includes only the digits 0 and 1, to process even complex data. In binary form, for instance, the word HELLO looks like this: 1001000 1000101 1001100 1001100 1001111.

Examples of binary in a Sentence

Adjective a binary star is a system of two stars that revolve around each other under their mutual gravitation

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

As both writer and director, Garland has consistently offered a unique perspective on the human condition, largely devoid of binaries like good and evil that American audiences love to uphold. —

Richard Newby, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Apr. 2024 Within Artifactory, binaries can be edited, tracked and managed. —

Robert Defrancesco, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for binary

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

Word History

Etymology

Adjective and Noun

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

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of binary was in the 15th century

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Style

“Binary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/binary. Accessed 4 May. 2024.

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Kids Definition

binary

adjective

bi·na·ry

ˈbī-nə-rē

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

: relating to, being, or belonging to a system of numbers having two as its base

the binary digits 0 and 1

: relating exactly two mathematical or logical elements at a time

multiplication is a binary operation

Medical Definition

binary

adjective

bi·na·ry ˈbī-nə-rē

-ˌner-ē

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

: composed of two chemical elements, an element and a radical that acts as an element, or two such radicals

: utilizing two harmless ingredients that upon combining form a lethal substance (as a gas)

Last Updated: 23 Apr 2024 - Updated example sentences

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binary

noun

adjective

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Synonyms

Examples of binary in a Sentence

Word History

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Dictionary Entries Near binary

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Kids Definition

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