Definition of "binary" in English

adjective

1. Being in one of two mutually exclusive states.

   • Binary states are often represented as 1 and 0 in computer science.

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

   • Near-synonym: Boolean

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

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

   • binary star
   • Two ingredients are combined in a binary poison.
   • A binary statistical distribution has only two categories.

5. (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.

   • Division of reals is a binary operation.

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

   • He downloaded the binary distribution for Linux, then burned it to DVD.

7. (comparable) Focusing on two mutually exclusive conditions.

   • He has a very binary understanding of gender.

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

noun

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

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

3. (computing) Synonym of binary file.

4. (astronomy) Synonym of binary asteroid.

5. (astronomy) Synonym of binary planet.

6. (astronomy) Synonym of binary star.

7. (finance) Synonym of binary option.