binary
binary Lexical Profile
binary Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Relating to, using, or expressed in the base-2 numerical system that uses only the digits 0 and 1, especially in computing and digital electronics.
"Modern computers process and store all types of information as sequences of binary code."
Relating to, composed of, or involving two parts, elements, or things.
"The decision was framed as a simple binary choice between accepting the contract or walking away."
Relating to or conforming to a social system in which gender is categorized strictly into two distinct forms, male and female.
"Many contemporary sociologists study how traditional binary concepts of gender have evolved across different cultures."
• noun
The base-2 numeral system in mathematics and computing, which represents numeric values using only two symbols, 0 and 1.
"In our introductory computer science course, we learned how to convert standard decimal numbers into binary."
A system, condition, or conceptual framework in which two parts, things, or opposing categories are paired or contrasted.
"The philosopher argued that human nature is far too complex to be reduced to a strict binary of good and evil."
A computer file stored in machine-readable binary format rather than plain text, especially a compiled executable program.
"The software developer compiled the source code and uploaded the finished binary to the server."
A system of two astronomical bodies, especially two stars, that are gravitationally bound to each other and orbit around a common center of mass.
"Through the high-powered telescope, what appeared to be a single point of light was revealed to be an eclipsing binary."
• Rhymes for binary
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 15th century from Late Latin binarius ('consisting of two'), from Latin bini ('two by two, two each'), ultimately derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *dwo- ('two').
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.