The prefix bin- is a common prefix in the English language. It is used in many words, and it changes the meaning of the word it is attached to. This article will explore the definition and meaning of bin-, its origin, and its associations.
Definitions
Bin- is a prefix that means “two” or “twice.” It is used to indicate that the word it is attached to has two of something. For example, a binocular is a device that has two lenses, and a binaural recording is a recording made with two microphones.
Origin
The prefix bin- comes from the Latin word “bini,” which means “two by two.” It has been used in English since the 16th century.
Meaning in different dictionaries
In the Oxford English Dictionary, bin- is defined as “a combining form meaning ‘two’ or ‘twice.'” In Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, it is defined as “having two” or “occurring twice.”
Associations
The prefix bin- is often associated with things that come in pairs or are used in pairs. Examples include binoculars, binomials, binaural recordings, and binary code.
Synonyms
The prefix bi- is a synonym of bin-. It also means “two” or “twice” and is used in words like bicycle and bisexual.
Antonyms
The antonym of bin- is mono-, which means “one” or “single.” It is used in words like monochrome and monogamy.
The same root words
The prefix bin- is related to the root word “bini,” which means “two by two.” Other words that are related to this root word include binary, binomial, and binate.
Example Sentences
- The binoculars allowed us to see the birds up close.
- The binaural recording made it sound like we were in the concert hall.
- The binary code is made up of ones and zeros.
- The binomial equation was difficult to solve.
- The binate leaves grew in pairs on the stem.