binary pulsar: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (Specialist/Academic)Technical, Scientific (Astrophysics)
Quick answer
What does “binary pulsar” mean?
a type of pulsar that is in a binary system, orbiting with a companion star.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
a type of pulsar that is in a binary system, orbiting with a companion star; the gravitational interaction and precise timing of its pulses make it a crucial tool for testing theories of gravity.
Any pulsar (a highly magnetized, rotating neutron star emitting beams of electromagnetic radiation) that is part of a binary star system. Their discovery provided the first indirect evidence for gravitational waves and allows for stringent tests of general relativity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No lexical differences. Potential minor differences in phrasing, e.g., '...in orbit about...' (more common in UK academic writing) vs. '...in orbit around...' (US).
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both dialects.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialized in both regions, confined to astrophysics literature and education.
Grammar
How to Use “binary pulsar” in a Sentence
The [ADJ] binary pulsar [VERB] ...Observations of [DET] binary pulsar [VERB] ...[PROPER NAME], a binary pulsar, [VERB] ...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “binary pulsar” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- binary-pulsar dynamics
- binary-pulsar research team
American English
- binary-pulsar observation
- binary-pulsar experiment
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Primary context. Used in astrophysics papers, lectures, and textbooks to discuss tests of general relativity, gravitational wave emission, and stellar evolution.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
The sole context of use. Appears in technical documentation for radio telescopes, scientific grants, and conference presentations.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “binary pulsar”
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “binary pulsar”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “binary pulsar”
- Using 'binary' to mean the pulsar itself has two components (it doesn't; it refers to the stellar system).
- Confusing with 'pulsar binary', which is synonymous but less common.
- Mispronouncing 'pulsar' with /z/ instead of /s/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A pulsar is a rotating neutron star that emits beams of radiation. A binary pulsar is simply a pulsar that has a companion star (which may or may not also be a pulsar) and orbits it.
Their extremely regular pulses act as precise clocks moving in strong gravitational fields. By measuring tiny changes in the timing of these pulses as the stars orbit, scientists can perform ultra-precise tests of Einstein's theory of general relativity and infer the emission of gravitational waves.
The first binary pulsar, PSR B1913+16, was discovered in 1974 by Russell Hulse and Joseph Taylor, for which they received the 1993 Nobel Prize in Physics.
Yes, such a system is called a 'double pulsar'. The first known double pulsar, PSR J0737-3039, was discovered in 2003 and provides an even more precise laboratory for gravitational tests.
a type of pulsar that is in a binary system, orbiting with a companion star.
Binary pulsar is usually technical, scientific (astrophysics) in register.
Binary pulsar: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbaɪ.nər.i ˈpʌl.sɑːr/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbaɪ.nər.i ˈpʌl.sɑːr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'BI-nary' has two, like the two stars in the system, and 'PULSAR' pulses like a lighthouse. A 'Binary Pulsar' is a pulsing lighthouse star with a partner.
Conceptual Metaphor
A cosmic laboratory; a natural gravitational wave emitter; a precision clock in a dance of spacetime.
Practice
Quiz
What makes a binary pulsar particularly significant for physicists?