[ 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 ]

a. [ Pref. bi- + acid. ] (Chem.) Having two hydrogen atoms which can be replaced by negative atoms or radicals to form salts; -- said of bases. See Diacid. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ Pref. bi- + acuminate. ] (Bot.) Having points in two directions. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ Pref. bi- + angular. ] Having two angles or corners. [ 1913 Webster ]

{ } a. [ Pref. bi- + angulate, angulated. ] Biangular. [ 1913 Webster ]

pos>a. [ Pref. bi- + angulous. ] Biangular. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ Pref. bi- + annual. ] Occurring twice a year; half-yearly; semiannual. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

a. [ Pref. bi- + antherigerous. ] (Bot.) Having two anthers. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ Pref. bi- + articulate. ] (Zool.) Having, or consisting of, tow joints. [ 1913 Webster ]

n.; pl. Biases [ F. biasis, perh. fr. LL. bifax two-faced; L. bis + facies face. See Bi-, and cf. Face. ] 1. A weight on the side of the ball used in the game of bowls, or a tendency imparted to the ball, which turns it from a straight line. [ 1913 Webster ]

Being ignorant that there is a concealed bias within the spheroid, which will . . . swerve away. Sir W. Scott. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A leaning of the mind; propensity or prepossession toward an object or view, not leaving the mind indifferent; bent; inclination. [ 1913 Webster ]

Strong love is a bias upon the thoughts. South. [ 1913 Webster ]

Morality influences men's lives, and gives a bias to all their actions. Locke. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. A wedge-shaped piece of cloth taken out of a garment (as the waist of a dress) to diminish its circumference. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. A slant; a diagonal; as, to cut cloth on the bias. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- Prepossession; prejudice; partiality; inclination. See Bent. [ 1913 Webster ]