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
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His favorites are recurrent novas — binary systems in which a massive white dwarf siphons so much material from its partner that its surface becomes dense enough and hot enough to undergo nuclear fusion, resulting in a dramatic increase in brightness at least twice per century.
—
Liz Kruesi, Quanta Magazine, 2 Feb. 2026
In a binary system, the two stars usually differ slightly in mass and move along stretched, elliptical paths.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 31 Jan. 2026
If the object is a star, then this cloud is a circumsecondary disk, a cloud of gas and dust that orbits the less massive star in a binary system.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 23 Jan. 2026
But that binary system is not the only option for these machines.
—Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 18 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for binary system
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Liz Kruesi, Quanta Magazine, 2 Feb. 2026
In a binary system, the two stars usually differ slightly in mass and move along stretched, elliptical paths.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 31 Jan. 2026
If the object is a star, then this cloud is a circumsecondary disk, a cloud of gas and dust that orbits the less massive star in a binary system.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 23 Jan. 2026
But that binary system is not the only option for these machines.
—Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 18 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for binary system
Cite this Entry
“Binary system.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/binary%20system. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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