bit

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Bit

The smallest unit of information a computer can hold in its memory. A bit is always represented as a 0 or a 1 in binary code. The word is a contraction of "binary digit."

bit

a digit which takes the value zero or one and which can therefore be represented electronically by an off/on switch in a COMPUTER. Computers use groups of bits to represent numbers or letters for storage, transmission and processing of numerical or alphabetical data. Specifically, computers use various off/on permutations of eight bits to represent all numbers, letters and punctuation characters. Most computers use multiples of eight bits to handle data in this way and various eight-bit, sixteen-bit and thirty-two bit machines are available, the larger ones generally being able to process data faster.

References in classic literature ?

Bit by bit these poor people have given up everything else; but to this they cling with all the power of their souls--they cannot give up the veselija

View in context

Bit by bit the noise grows loud, As the trickle of people, Becomes a crowd.

Your Poem; JUST ANOTHER DAY

When young Molly's father doesn't come home, she realizes that her mother is teetering dangerously close to a nervous breakdown, and assumes responsibility beyond her years, bit by bit gradually discovering the truth of what happened to her father on her own.

Hot Sand and Horny Toads

Bit by bit she comes to understand a different way of life and appreciate her Chinese heritage.

Shanghai Messenger

Bit by bit during growth, the tube settles onto the silicon surface, much as a slack kite string would.