binary

Pluralbinaries (some meanings)

1. 1
   noununcountable

   A way of writing numbers using only the digits 0 and 1.

   Like a row of light switches, each one either off for 0 or on for 1.

   In binary, the number two is written as 10.

   Our teacher showed us how to count in binary on our fingers.

   Note
2. 2
   adjective

   Having only two possible states, so it must be one or the other, never both.

   A light switch is binary: it is either on or off.

   For this test the result is binary, pass or fail.

   Similardichotomous

   Note
3. 3
   adjective

   Having to do with numbers written, or math done, using only 0 and 1.

   The binary number 101 is the same as five.

   We practiced binary addition in math class today.

   Note
4. 4
   black-and-white viewnouncountable or uncountable

   A way of sorting things where there are only two choices, and everything must be one of them.

   The movie shows a simple binary of good guys and bad guys.

   Life is not a binary of winning and losing.

   Similardichotomy, duality

   Note
5. 5
   black-and-white viewadjective

   Looking at something in terms of just two choices that cannot go together.

   His view of people is very binary: you are a friend or an enemy.

   The question felt too binary, so she added a third answer.

   Similardichotomous

   Oppositenuanced

   Note
6. 6
   genderadjective

   Having a gender identity that is either male or female.

   The form only lists binary gender options, male and female.

   Some trans people are binary, while others feel neither male nor female.

   Oppositenon-binary

   Note
7. 7
   adjective

   Of computer data, stored as code that people cannot read as normal text.

   If you open binary data in a text editor, you see only strange symbols.

   She downloaded the binary version of the game instead of building it herself.

   Note
8. 8
   computer filenouncountable or uncountable

   A computer file, such as a ready-to-run program, that holds code instead of normal text.

   Download the binary for your computer and double-click it to start.

   The team posts new binaries on the website every Friday.

   Similarexecutable

   Note
9. 9
   double starnouncountable or uncountable

   Two stars that move around each other in space.

   Through the big telescope, the bright dot turned out to be a binary.

   The two stars in this binary circle each other every few days.

   Note
10. 10
    two-partadjective

    Made of two parts that matter equally, or having to do with something with two parts.

    Water is a binary compound, made of hydrogen and oxygen.

    Some stars belong to binary systems, with two stars going around each other.

    Similardual, twofold, double, twin

    Note

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