binomial

 
Pronunciation: /bʌɪˈnəʊmɪəl/

noun

  • 1 Mathematics an algebraic expression of the sum or the difference of two terms.
  • 2a two-part name, especially the Latin name of a species of living organism (consisting of the genus followed by the specific epithet).
  • 3 Grammar a noun phrase with two heads joined by a conjunction, in which the order is relatively fixed (as in knife and fork).

adjective

  • 1 Mathematics consisting of two terms.
  • relating to a binomial or to the binomial theorem.
  • 2having or using two names (used especially of the Latin name of a species of living organism).

Origin:

mid 16th century: from French binôme or modern Latin binomium (from bi- 'having two' + Greek nomos 'part, portion') + -al