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 new research found that the impact also expelled enough material from the binary system to slightly alter its path around the Sun.
From Science Daily • Mar. 9, 2026
"Discovering three Earth-sized planets in such a compact binary system is a unique opportunity," says Zúñiga-Fernández.
From Science Daily • Nov. 12, 2025
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
A binary system of counting is shown in the following numerals:— One: uniuni.
From The Mafulu Mountain People of British New Guinea by Williamson, Robert Wood
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.
