binary-coded decimal system: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical, Academic
Quick answer
What does “binary-coded decimal system” mean?
A coding system where each decimal digit (0-9) is represented by a fixed-length binary code, usually four bits.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A coding system where each decimal digit (0-9) is represented by a fixed-length binary code, usually four bits.
A system for representing decimal numbers in a form usable by digital systems, where each digit is encoded separately rather than converting the entire number into pure binary.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling of related terms follows regional norms (e.g., 'programme' vs. 'program').
Connotations
None beyond the technical meaning.
Frequency
Used with equal technical frequency in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “binary-coded decimal system” in a Sentence
The [device] uses a binary-coded decimal system.Data is stored in a binary-coded decimal system.Converting to a binary-coded decimal system avoids errors.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “binary-coded decimal system” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The BCD format is widely supported.
- We need a binary-coded decimal converter.
American English
- The BCD format is widely supported.
- We need a binary-coded decimal converter.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in highly technical specifications for financial or measurement hardware.
Academic
Common in computer science, electrical engineering, and digital electronics textbooks and papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary domain of use. Discussed in contexts of computer architecture, embedded systems, and digital display drivers.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “binary-coded decimal system”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “binary-coded decimal system”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “binary-coded decimal system”
- Misspelling as 'binary-code decimal system'.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to binary-coded decimal').
- Confusing BCD with pure binary representation.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Pure binary represents the entire number's value. BCD represents each decimal digit individually with a 4-bit code.
In systems where numeric displays are crucial and decimal accuracy is paramount, such as financial systems, digital clocks, calculators, and some measuring instruments.
It refers to the most common BCD weighting, where the four bits represent the decimal values 8, 4, 2, and 1 respectively.
No, it is less storage-efficient but can be simpler for human-readable decimal input/output and avoids rounding errors in decimal conversions.
A coding system where each decimal digit (0-9) is represented by a fixed-length binary code, usually four bits.
Binary-coded decimal system is usually technical, academic in register.
Binary-coded decimal system: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbaɪ.nər.i ˌkəʊ.dɪd ˈdes.ɪ.məl ˌsɪs.təm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbaɪ.nə.ri ˌkoʊ.dɪd ˈdes.ə.məl ˌsɪs.təm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of it as giving each digit (0-9) its own 4-bit 'name tag' instead of mixing all the digits into one long binary number.
Conceptual Metaphor
A TRANSLATION METAPHOR: It's like translating a number digit-by-digit into a code, rather than re-expressing the whole number in a new language.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of a binary-coded decimal system?