binary star

noun

: a system of two stars that revolve around each other under their mutual gravitation

Examples of binary star in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
However, the existence of a white dwarf is not sufficient for a Type la supernova; the white draft must also be part of a binary star system, in which a pair of stars orbit a common center of mass. Julian Dossett, Space.com, 15 Jan. 2025 New York has no issue in that regard — second in offensive rating, third in shooting percentage and a binary star averaging more than 50 points per game. Steven Louis Goldstein, The Athletic, 15 Jan. 2025 In mid-December 2024, scientists discovered a pair of binary stars designated D9 orbiting each other close to Sagittarius A* (Sgr A*), the supermassive black hole at the heart of the Milky Way. Robert Lea, Space.com, 30 Dec. 2024 Scientists have never been able to detect the binary star system within the S-cluster -- until now. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 17 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for binary star 

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of binary star was in 1826

Dictionary Entries Near binary star

Cite this Entry

“Binary star.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/binary%20star. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

binary star

noun
: a system of two stars that revolve around each other under the gravitation of both

More from Merriam-Webster on binary star

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!