binomial

American  

[bahy-noh-mee-uhl] / baɪˈnoʊ mi əl /

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.

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adjective

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

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

binomial British  

/ 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

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adjective

1. referring to two names or terms

binomial Scientific  

/ bī-nō′mē-əl /

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

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Other Word Forms

• binomialism noun
• binomially adverb

Etymology

Origin of binomial

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

Example Sentences

He is now widely regarded as the founder of modern taxonomy after introducing the binomial naming system and formally describing more than 10,000 species of plants and animals.

From Science Daily

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

From Salon

"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."

From Science Daily

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

From Scientific American

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

From New York Times