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
Recent Examples on the Web
During this stage, mass loss from the donor star causes the orbital period of the binary system to increase, with the white dwarf and companion star moving away from each other.
—
Robert Lea, Space.com, 3 July 2025
Novas occur when two stars revolving around each other, called a binary system, create a thermonuclear explosion.
—Elizabeth Gamillo, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 July 2025
This form of stellar explosion occurs when the gravitational influence of a white dwarf star orbiting in a binary system strips mass from its nearby companion.
—Anthony Wood, Space.com, 26 June 2025
It's thought to be a classical nova, an outburst in a binary system where a white dwarf (the dense leftover core of a dying sun-like star) and an expanding red giant star orbit each other.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for binary system
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.
Robert Lea, Space.com, 3 July 2025
Novas occur when two stars revolving around each other, called a binary system, create a thermonuclear explosion.
—Elizabeth Gamillo, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 July 2025
This form of stellar explosion occurs when the gravitational influence of a white dwarf star orbiting in a binary system strips mass from its nearby companion.
—Anthony Wood, Space.com, 26 June 2025
It's thought to be a classical nova, an outburst in a binary system where a white dwarf (the dense leftover core of a dying sun-like star) and an expanding red giant star orbit each other.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 24 June 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 19 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share