binary

noun

A state in which only two values are possible, in which something must have one value or the other.

(mathematics, computing, uncountable) The bijective base-2 numeral system, which uses only the digits 0 and 1.

(computing) Synonym of binary file.

(astronomy) Synonym of binary asteroid.

(astronomy) Synonym of binary planet.

(astronomy) Synonym of binary star.

(finance) Synonym of binary option.

adjective

(arithmetic, computing) Concerning numbers and calculations using the binary number system.

Being in one of two mutually exclusive states.

(computing) Of data, consisting coded values (e.g. machine code) not interpretable as plain or ASCII text (e.g. source code).

(mathematics, programming, computer engineering) Of an operation, function, procedure, or logic gate, taking exactly two operands, arguments, parameters, or inputs; having domain of dimension 2.

(logic) Concerning logic whose subject matter concerns such states.

Having two equally important parts; related to something with two parts.

(comparable) Focusing on two mutually exclusive conditions.

(biology, sociology) Having or pertaining to a gender identity represented by the gender binary; either male or female.

Roots

binibin- · Latin · two together

Synonyms & related words for binary

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Words related to binary

Explore words related to binary — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include unary, hexadecimal, octal, trinary, bytecode, ternary, decimal, opcode. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Where does binary come from?

The word binary breaks down into one root of Latin origin: the root bin-, from Latin bini (“two together”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.