The term "binary" refers to a system that involves two parts or two states. In computing and mathematics, "binary" specifically relates to a number system that uses only two digits, typically 0 and 1. This is foundational for how computers process data, as everything is ultimately represented in a binary format. More broadly, "binary" can also describe situations or classifications that are divided into two distinct and contrasting categories.
The word "binary" comes from the Latin word "binarius," which means "consisting of two." It is derived from "bini," meaning "two by two." The use of the term in mathematics and computing emerged in the 20th century as technology advanced and the need for a simple, efficient number system became more pronounced.