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binary system
noun
: binary star
also
: a similar system containing bodies (such as black holes) other than stars
Examples of binary system in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Many stars exist in pairs, or a binary system, unlike the sun.
—Jacopo Prisco, CNN, 13 Aug. 2024
The radar images showed the asteroid is roughly spherical and is one of a pair, called a binary system.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN, 6 July 2024
As part of processing its data, the Gaia team attempts to identify both overall motion and any indications that a star is orbiting as part of a binary system.
—John Timmer, Ars Technica, 16 Apr. 2024
As technology has advanced in the past 80 years, researchers are set to obtain new insights into the lifecycles of binary systems and the waning but powerful stellar processes that fuel them making this T CrB nova particularly exciting.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 1 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for binary system
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'binary system.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1802, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near binary system
Cite this Entry
“Binary system.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/binary%20system. Accessed 23 Sep. 2024.
Kids Definition
binary system
noun
: a system of two objects that revolve around each other
especially
: binary star
More from Merriam-Webster on binary system
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about binary system
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