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binomial

[ bahy-noh-mee-uhl ]

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.


adjective

  1. Algebra. consisting of or pertaining to two terms or a binomial.
  2. Zoology, Botany. consisting of or characterized by binomials.

binomial

/ 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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

adjective

  1. referring to two names or terms
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

binomial

/ bī-nōmē-əl /

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

  • biˈnomially, adverb
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Other Words From

  • bi·nomi·al·ism noun
  • bi·nomi·al·ly adverb
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Word History and Origins

Origin of binomial1

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

Origin of binomial1

C16: from Medieval Latin binōmius from bi- 1+ Latin nōmen name
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Example Sentences

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."

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

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

“The binomial itself is a great thing,” Wright says.

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binocularbinomial coefficient