'base-2' originates from the concept of 'base' in mathematics, where 'base' refers to the number of unique digits, including zero, that a positional numeral system uses to represent numbers.

The term 'base-2' has been used in mathematics and computer science to describe the binary numeral system, which is fundamental to digital electronics and computing.

Initially, 'base-2' referred to the mathematical concept of a numeral system with two as its base, and this meaning has remained consistent in modern usage.