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
Words nearby bit
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)
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
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]
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