If you recall those doubled up beasts, you'll remember the etymology of binary because it traces to the Latin bini, which translates as "two by two." Although binary can be used for anything with two parts, it is now used especially in relation to computers and information processing.

What is the origin of the word binary?

Etymology. From Late Latin bīnārius (“consisting of two”), from Latin bīnī (“two-by-two, pair”).

What does the name binary mean?

The idea that there are only two genders is sometimes called a “gender binary,” because binary means “having two parts” (male and female).