bit

2
[ bit ]
/ bɪt /

noun

Idioms for bit

Origin of bit

2
before 1000; Middle English bite, Old English bita bit, morsel; cognate with German Bissen, Old Norse biti. See bite

British Dictionary definitions for a bit (1 of 4)

bit 1
/ (bɪt) /

noun

Word Origin for bit

Old English bite action of biting; see bite

British Dictionary definitions for a bit (2 of 4)

bit 2
/ (bɪt) /

noun

verb bits, bitting or bitted (tr)

to put a bit in the mouth of (a horse)
to restrain; curb

Word Origin for bit

Old English bita; related to Old English bītan to bite

British Dictionary definitions for a bit (3 of 4)

bit 3
/ (bɪt) /

verb

the past tense and (archaic) past participle of bite

British Dictionary definitions for a bit (4 of 4)

bit 4
/ (bɪt) /

noun maths computing

a single digit of binary notation, represented either by 0 or by 1
the smallest unit of information, indicating the presence or absence of a single feature
a unit of capacity of a computer, consisting of an element of its physical structure capable of being in either of two states, such as a switch with on and off positions, or a microscopic magnet capable of alignment in two directions

Word Origin for bit

C20: from abbreviation of binary digit

Scientific definitions for a bit

bit
[ bĭt ]

The smallest unit of computer memory. A bit holds one of two possible values, either of the binary digits 0 or 1. The term comes from the phrase binary digit. See Note at byte.

Cultural definitions for a bit

bit

The smallest unit of information. One bit corresponds to a “yes” or “no.” Some examples of a bit of information: whether a light is on or off, whether a switch (like a transistor) is on or off, whether a grain of magnetized iron points up or down.

notes for bit

The information in a digital computer is stored in the form of bits.

Idioms and Phrases with a bit (1 of 2)

a bit

1

A small amount of anything; also, a short period of time. For example, Here's a bit of wrapping paper, or It'll be ready in a bit, or Just wait a bit. [c. 1600]

2

Somewhat or rather, as in It stings a bit, or Will you have a bit more to eat? [Second half of 1600s] Also see bit by bit; not a bit.

Idioms and Phrases with a bit (2 of 2)

bit