binary system
Americannoun
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a system involving only two elements, as 0 and 1 or yes and no.
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Mathematics. a system of counting or measurement whose units are powers of two.
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Astronomy. binary star.
Etymology
Origin of binary system
First recorded in 1825–35
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.
The two asteroids orbit a shared center of mass in what scientists call a binary system.
From Science Daily • Mar. 9, 2026
This strange new world orbits around two stars at once, which dance around each other in what astronomers call a binary system.
From Space Scoop • May 6, 2025
It’s a binary system; a choice of extremes.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 17, 2024
Nemo’s powerhouse number “The Code” is about struggling to find their place and discovering it “somewhere between the zeroes and ones” of a binary system.
From Seattle Times • May 8, 2024
Sirius is also a binary system; but it is what is called a "visual" one, for its component stars may be seen separately in very large telescopes.
From Astronomy of To-day A Popular Introduction in Non-Technical Language by Dolmage, Cecil Goodrich Julius
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.
