Dictionary
1binary
noun bi·na·ry \ˈbī-nə-rē, -ˌner-ē, -ˌne-rē\
plural bi·na·ries
Definition of BINARY
ADVERTISEMENT
First Known Use of BINARY
15th century
2binary
adjective
: relating to or consisting of two things or parts
: relating to or involving a method of calculating and of representing information especially in computers by using the numbers 0 and 1
Full Definition of BINARY
1
: compounded or consisting of or marked by two things or parts
2
a : duple —used of measure or rhythm b : having two musical subjects or two complementary sections
3
a : relating to, being, or belonging to a system of numbers having 2 as its base <the binary digits 0 and 1> b : involving a choice or condition of two alternatives (as on-off or yes-no)
4
a : composed of two chemical elements, an element and a radical that acts as an element, or two such radicals b : utilizing two harmless ingredients that upon combining form a lethal substance (as a gas) <binary weapons>
5
: relating two logical or mathematical elements <a binary operation>
6
: of or relating to the use of stable oppositions (as good and evil) to analyze a subject or create a structural model <the binary opposition of male and female — Joan W. Scott>
See binary defined for English-language learners
See binary defined for kids
Origin of BINARY
Late Latin binarius, from Latin bini two by two — more at bin-
First Known Use: 1597
Related to BINARY
- Synonyms
- double, bipartite, double-barreled, double-edged, dual, duplex, twin, twofold
- Antonyms
- single
Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms
BINARY[1] Defined for Kids
binary
adjective bi·na·ry \ˈbī-nə-rē\
Definition of BINARY for Kids
: of, relating to, or being a number system with a base of 2 <The two binary digits are 0 and 1.>
Medical Dictionary
binary
adjective bi·na·ry \ˈbī-nə-rē, -ˌner-ē\
Medical Definition of BINARY
1
: compounded or consisting of or marked by two things or parts
2
a : composed of two chemical elements, an element and a radical that acts as an element, or two such radicals b : utilizing two harmless ingredients that upon combining form a lethal substance (as a gas)
Learn More About BINARY
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: binary colorPrevious Word in the Dictionary: binarismAll Words Near: binary
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up binary? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).