binary system

American  

noun

1. a system involving only two elements, as 0 and 1 or yes and no.

2. Mathematics. a system of counting or measurement whose units are powers of two.

3. Astronomy. binary star.

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Etymology

Origin of binary system

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

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

Though he takes a minute to upbraid her, they’re obviously the show’s binary system, and Decker is in any case a cheery sort who takes things in stride — even prison, seemingly.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 3, 2026

"The evidence strongly supports a binary system containing a magnetar -- a neutron star with an extremely strong magnetic field, and a star like our Sun."

From Science Daily • Jan. 28, 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

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