binomial
Americannoun
-
Algebra. an expression that is a sum or difference of two terms, as 3 x + 2 y and x 2 − 4 x.
-
Zoology, Botany. a taxonomic name consisting of a generic and a specific term, used to designate species.
adjective
-
Algebra. consisting of or pertaining to two terms or a binomial.
-
Zoology, Botany. consisting of or characterized by binomials.
noun
-
a mathematical expression consisting of two terms, such as 3 x + 2 y
-
a two-part taxonomic name for an animal or plant See binomial nomenclature
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of binomial
1550–60; < Late Latin binōmi ( us ) having two names (compare Latin binōminis ) + -al 1. See bi- 1, nominal
Explanation
Anything binomial consists of two terms (like x + 5) or has two names (like homo sapiens). Words starting with the prefix bi are related to the number two. The first meaning is one you might encounter in algebra class: a binomial has two terms. Often binomials are in parentheses, and they always have two parts: (X-Y) is a binomial because of the two variables: X and Y. The other type of binomial can be found in biology class: a two-part name that belongs to the system of distinguishing individual biological species, like canis familiaris: a dog.
Vocabulary lists containing binomial
Algebra
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Algebra
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The ACT Math Test: Algebra
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
We can use the Binomial Squares Pattern to make a perfect square.
From Textbooks • Sep. 23, 2020
The real beauty of the Binomial Theorem is that it gives a formula for any particular term of the expansion without having to compute the whole sum.
From Textbooks • May 6, 2020
In the following exercises, multiply using the Product of Binomial Squares Pattern.
From Textbooks • May 6, 2020
The Binomial Theorem uses the same pattern for the variables, but uses the binomial coefficient for the coefficient of each term.
From Textbooks • May 6, 2020
Very like the Binomial Theorem as one thought over that comparison.
From Soul of a Bishop by Wells, H. G. (Herbert George)
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
