binomial

[ bahy-noh-mee-uhl ]

noun
  1. Algebra. an expression that is a sum or difference of two terms, as 3x + 2y and x2 − 4x.

  2. Zoology, Botany. a taxonomic name consisting of a generic and a specific term, used to designate species.

adjective
  1. Algebra. consisting of or pertaining to two terms or a binomial.

  2. Zoology, Botany. consisting of or characterized by binomials.

Origin of binomial

1
1550–60; <Late Latin binōmi(us) having two names (compare Latin binōminis) + -al1. See bi-1, nominal

Other words from binomial

  • bi·no·mi·al·ism, noun
  • bi·no·mi·al·ly, adverb

Words Nearby binomial

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use binomial in a sentence

  • A chapter catches my attention in the middle of the volume; it is headed, Newton's binomial Theorem.

    The Life of the Fly | J. Henri Fabre

British Dictionary definitions for binomial

binomial

/ (baɪˈnəʊmɪəl) /


noun
  1. a mathematical expression consisting of two terms, such as 3 x + 2 y

  2. a two-part taxonomic name for an animal or plant: See binomial nomenclature

adjective
  1. referring to two names or terms

Origin of binomial

1
C16: from Medieval Latin binōmius from bi- 1 + Latin nōmen name

Derived forms of binomial

  • binomially, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for binomial

binomial

[ bī-nōmē-əl ]


  1. A mathematical expression that is the sum of two monomials, such as 3a + 2b.

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