biennial

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English

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin bienni(um) (two-year period) + -al (suffix forming adjectives). By surface analysis, bi- +‎ -ennial.

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /baɪˈɛn.i.əl/
    • Audio (US):(file)
  • Rhymes: -ɛniəl

Adjective

biennial (not comparable)

  1. Happening every two years.
  2. Lasting for two years.

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Noun

biennial (plural biennials)

  1. A plant that requires two years to complete its life-cycle, germinating and growing in its first year, then producing its flowers and fruit in its second year, after which it usually dies.
  2. An event that happens every two years.
    • 1891, Sir George Chetwynd, Racing Reminiscences and Experiences of the Turf, page 122:
      The famous Biennial was won by Earl of Dartrey, a light, peacocky horse, who was, perhaps, better than he looked.

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