- Bi-
- Bi- Bi- [L. bis twice, which in composition drops the -s, akin
to E. two. See {Bis-}, {Two}, and cf. {Di-}, {Dis-}.]
[1913 Webster]
1. In most branches of science bi- in composition denotes
two, twice, or doubly; as, bidentate, two-toothed;
biternate, doubly ternate, etc.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Chem.) In the composition of chemical names bi- denotes two atoms, parts, or equivalents of that constituent to the name of which it is prefixed, to one of the other component, or that such constituent is present in double the ordinary proportion; as, bichromate, bisulphide. Be- and di- are often used interchangeably. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.