Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Consisting of two parts or components: "binary" describes something that is composed of exactly two units, elements, or choices.
   • Relating to the base-2 number system: In mathematics and computing, "binary" pertains to a system using only two digits, typically 0 and 1.

2. Noun:

   • A system of two stars: In astronomy, a "binary" is a system where two stars orbit each other due to mutual gravitational attraction.
   • An executable computer file: In computing, a "binary" is a compiled, ready-to-run computer program.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The question required a simple binary choice: yes or no.
  • Computers process data using binary code.
• Noun:
  • Astronomers discovered a new binary in the constellation.
  • You need to download the correct binary for your operating system.

Advanced Usage

• Binary opposition: A pair of related terms or concepts that are opposite in meaning (e.g., good/evil, on/off). This is a key concept in structuralist thought.
  • The novel explores the binary opposition between civilization and nature.
• Binary logic: A system of thought where statements are either true or false, with no middle ground.
  • The computer's decision-making is based on binary logic.

Variants and Related Words

• Binarity (n): The state or quality of being binary.
  • The binarity of the system simplifies the analysis.
• Binarize (v): To convert something into a binary form.
  • The software will binarize the image, turning it into black and white pixels.

Synonyms

• Dual: Having two parts (e.g., ).
• Twofold: Consisting of two parts or aspects.
• Dichotomous: Involving a division into two opposed groups.

Related Phrases

• Binary digit: The smallest unit of data in computing, representing a 0 or a 1; a bit.
  • A single binary digit can represent two states.
• Binary star: Another term for a binary system in astronomy.
  • The telescope is powerful enough to resolve the binary star.
• Binary file: A computer file that is not a plain text file, often containing executable code.
  • The update corrupted the essential binary file.

Adjective

1. consisting of two (units or components or elements or terms)
   • a binary star is a system in which two stars revolve around each other
   • a binary compound
   • the binary number system has two as its base
2. of or pertaining to a number system have 2 as its base
   • a binary digit

Noun

1. a pre-compiled, pre-linked program that is ready to run under a given operating system; a binary for one operating system will not run on a different operating system
   • the same source code can be compiled to produce different binaries for different operating systems
2. a system of two stars that revolve around each other under their mutual gravitation