BINARY


Meaning of BINARY in English

I. ˈbīnərē, -ri sometimes -ˌner- adjective

Etymology: Late Latin binarius, from Latin bini two by two + -arius -ary

1. : compounded or consisting of two things or parts : characterized by two : dual , double

2. : composed of two chemical elements, of an element and a radical that acts as an element, or of two such radicals

a binary compound

binary salts

3.

a. : of, relating to, or being a system of numbers having two as its base

b. : involving two variables

a binary form

4. logic : relating two arguments or terms (of functions and propositions)

a binary relation

5.

a. : having two musical subjects or two divisions or sections one complementary to the other

a song in binary form

b. : duple — used of measure or rhythm

II. noun

( -es )

Etymology: Middle English binarie, from Medieval Latin binarius, from Late Latin, consisting of two

: something that is constituted of two figures, things, or parts ; specifically : binary star

III. adjective

1. : involving a choice or condition of two alternatives only (as on-off or yes-no)

2. : involving binary notation

3. : utilizing two harmless ingredients that upon combining form a lethal substance (as a gas)

binary weapon

Webster's New International English Dictionary.      Новый международный словарь английского языка Webster.