binomial

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun (mathematics) a quantity expressed as a sum or difference of two terms; a polynomial with two terms
  2. adjective of or relating to or consisting of two terms
  3. adjective having or characterized by two names, especially those of genus and species in taxonomies

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.

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