What does "binomial" mean?
A polynomial with two terms.
Binomial
/baɪˈnəʊ.mi.əl/ adj, noun
adj, noun ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A polynomial with two terms.
- Grammar: binomial is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: algebraic binomial, argument, bernoulli-based distribution, biaxial.
- Useful contrasts: monomial, monomial nomenclature, multinomial.
- Usage evidence: At the age of twenty-one he wrote a treatise upon the Binomial Theorem, which has had a European vogue.
How to use "binomial"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "binomial" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "binomial" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "binomial" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "binomial" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "binomial" is acting as adj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "algebraic binomial" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "binomial", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A polynomial with two terms.
- 2 (mathematics) a quantity expressed as a sum or difference of two terms; a polynomial with two terms wordnet
- 3 A quantity expressed as the sum or difference of two terms.
- 4 A scientific name at the rank of species, with two terms: a generic name and a specific name.
"Common name followed by Latin binomial in parentheses."
Adjective
- 1 Consisting of two terms, or parts. not-comparable
"Finally, instead of returning to Chile’s traditional proportional representation system, the law adopted the “binomial” system, which gave strong incentives to the parties to form broad coalitions."
- 2 Of or relating to the binomial distribution. not-comparable
"Assuming a normal approximation to binomial probabilities the proportion of total complications reported for 1979–85 in the age class 0–14 years was significantly higher than the proportion in the same age class for the period 1962–69 (p < 0·0001)"
Adjective
- 1 having or characterized by two names, especially those of genus and species in taxonomies wordnet
- 2 of or relating to or consisting of two terms wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"At the age of twenty-one he wrote a treatise upon the Binomial Theorem, which has had a European vogue."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "binomial"?
Common synonyms include: algebraic binomial, argument, bernoulli-based distribution, biaxial, bicameral, bicuspid.
How do you use "binomial" in a sentence?
At the age of twenty-one he wrote a treatise upon the Binomial Theorem, which has had a European vogue.
How do you pronounce "binomial"?
Pronounced /baɪˈnəʊ.mi.əl/.
Etymology
Formed from Late Latin binōmium + -al. The derivation of binōmium is unclear. It was used by Gerard of Cremona in the 12th century. Suggested sources are the Latin nōmen (“name”), the Ancient Greek νομός (nomós, “distribution, pasture”), or the Old French nom (“name”). Gérard de Crémone used the word in his translation of aν Arabic commentary on Euclid, corresponding to the Greek "ἐκ δύο ὀνομάτων". Compare binomy and binominal, as well as the French binôme. By surface analysis, bi- + -nomial.