binomial

noun

bi·​no·​mi·​al bī-ˈnō-mē-əl How to pronounce binomial (audio)
1
: a mathematical expression consisting of two terms connected by a plus sign or minus sign
2
: a biological species name consisting of two terms
binomial adjective
binomially adverb

Examples of binomial in a Sentence

the binomial a + b
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.
She is credited with naming and cataloging hundreds of native plants in the Hudson River Valley using Swedish botanist Carolus Linnaeus’ then-new binomial system of botanical nomenclature. Jessica Damiano, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Mar. 2024 The watermelons grown in the United States were soon subsumed under the same Latin binomial. Alex Fox, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 June 2021 Before binomials, names of plants in books were lists or strings of words that formed a kind of nuanced description. James Prosek, New York Times, 16 May 2017

Word History

Etymology

New Latin binomium, from Medieval Latin, neuter of binomius having two names, alteration of Latin binominis, from bi- + nomin-, nomen name — more at name

First Known Use

1557, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of binomial was in 1557

Dictionary Entries Near binomial

Cite this Entry

“Binomial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/binomial. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

binomial

noun
bi·​no·​mi·​al bī-ˈnō-mē-əl How to pronounce binomial (audio)
1
: a mathematical expression consisting of two terms connected by a plus sign or minus sign
2
: a biological species name consisting of two terms according to the system of binomial nomenclature
binomial adjective
binomially adverb

Medical Definition

binomial

noun
bi·​no·​mi·​al bī-ˈnō-mē-əl How to pronounce binomial (audio)
: a biological species name consisting of two terms
binomial adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on binomial

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