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Glite Dictionary
binary notation

binary notation

5.1
A way to write numbers and information using only the digits 0 and 1
  • noun
  • /ˈbaɪnəri noʊˈteɪʃən/
  • Specialized
translation icon : notación binaria
  • Computers process information using binary notation, which relies on only the digits 0 and 1.

Examples

  • The number 5 in binary notation is represented as 101.

  • He learned how to convert decimal numbers into binary notation for his computer science class.

  • The computer uses binary notation to process data.

  • Can you explain binary notation to me?

  • Computers process information using binary notation, which relies on only the digits 0 and 1.

  • He learned how to convert decimal numbers into binary notation for his computer science class.

  • The number 5 in binary notation is represented as 101.

Synonyms

binary system
vsbinary notation
  • Specialized
1 3.5

A way of writing numbers with only 0s and 1s

focuses more widely on representing both numbers and other information
binary number system
vsbinary notation
  • Specialized
4.2

A way to write numbers using only 0 and 1

includes representing information as well as numbers in general use
binary numeration system
vsbinary notation
  • Specialized
4.8

A number system that uses only the numbers 0 and 1, often used by computers

also applies to encoding other information beyond plain numbers
pure binary numeration system
vsbinary notation
  • Specialized
7.2

A way of writing numbers using only the digits 0 and 1

is broader, also used for representing information beyond positional numbers

Surface Forms

binary notation singular
binary notations plural

Morphology

binary + notation

The meaning is directly and transparently derived from combining 'binary' (relating to a two-symbol numeral system) with 'notation' (a system of symbols for representing information); together they straightforwardly denote a way of representing numbers or data using two symbols. This is a regular noun-noun technical composition found across languages (e.g., Spanish 'notación binaria'), so a B1 learner who knows both constituents should be able to infer the MWE meaning.

Etymology

The term binary notation comes from the image of many tiny switches that are either on (1) or off (0). Using only 0 and 1 lets machines store numbers and information, so the phrase means 'a way to write numbers or information with just two symbols'.