binomial
/baɪˈnoʊ.mi.əl/
Word Rarity
Rare
Frequency: 2.70 in modern English
12
Scrabble Score
8
Letters
4
Syllables
7
Unique Chars
Meaning
adj
Consisting of two terms, or parts.
adj
Of or relating to the binomial distribution.
noun
A polynomial with two terms.
noun
A quantity expressed as the sum or difference of two terms.
noun
A scientific name at the rank of species, with two terms: a generic name and a specific name.
Example Sentences
- "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."
- "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)"
- "Common name followed by Latin binomial in parentheses."
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 an 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.
Origin
Word Breakdown
- Root: binōmium, νομός
Regional Pronunciation
- American English: /baɪˈnoʊ.mi.əl/
- British English: /baɪˈnəʊ.mi.əl/