Binair

Binair is a Dutch adjective meaning binary or twofold. It describes systems, data, or concepts that rely on two distinct values or parts. The term derives from Latin binarius and is cognate with the English word binary. In Dutch, binair is used across mathematics, computing, and related disciplines to emphasize two-valued or dual-aspect characteristics.

In computing and digital technology, binair commonly refers to base-2 numeral systems and data encoded with two states, typically 0 and 1. A binair getal is written in base-2, and a binair bestand or binair formaat stores information as sequences of bits. Binary encoding underpins computer hardware, software, and communications, with many file formats and protocols relying on binary representations.

In mathematics and logic, binair can describe entities that exist in two categories or states, such as binair logische operatoren (for example AND, OR, NOT) or binair opposities in linguistic or philosophical analyses. The term is also used in linguistics to describe binary oppositions used to analyze structure and meaning.

History and usage: the modern binary numeral system was formalized and popularized by Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Since then, binair has become a standard way to discuss two-valued systems in science and engineering, distinct from broader concepts like digitaal, which encompasses a wider range of digital technologies not limited to two states.

See also: binary, binary numeral system, digital, dualism, dichotomy.