binomial

[bahy-noh-mee-uhl]

noun

1. Algebra.,  an expression that is a sum or difference of two terms, as 3 x + 2 y and x 2 − 4 x.

2. Zoology, Botany.,  a taxonomic name consisting of a generic and a specific term, used to designate species.

adjective

1. Algebra.,  consisting of or pertaining to two terms or a binomial.

2. Zoology, Botany.,  consisting of or characterized by binomials.

binomial

/ baɪˈnəʊmɪəl /

noun

1. a mathematical expression consisting of two terms, such as 3 x + 2 y

2. a two-part taxonomic name for an animal or plant See binomial nomenclature

adjective

1. referring to two names or terms

binomial

1. A mathematical expression that is the sum of two monomials, such as 3 a + 2 b.

Other Word Forms

• binomialism noun
• binomially adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of binomial¹

1550–60; < Late Latin binōmi ( us ) having two names (compare Latin binōminis ) + -al ¹. See bi- ¹, nominal

Word History and Origins

Origin of binomial¹

C16: from Medieval Latin binōmius from _bi- ¹ + Latin nōmen _name

Example Sentences

They seemingly prefer water so much, “hydro” is in their Latin binomial twice: Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris.

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"There was a binomial system of nomenclature, a genus and species name that would be attached to things, but there were no rules other than that."

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They played key roles in scientific achievements such as Carl Linnaeus's development of binomial nomenclature and Charles Darwin's theory of evolution.

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Though each species has a unique binomial scientific name, such as Lymantria dispar, many are better known by their common names.

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“The binomial itself is a great thing,” Wright says.

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