Bits: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ป
bits
[ bษชts ]
computing
A bit is the smallest unit of data in a computer. It can either be a 0 or a 1, representing off or on, true or false, etc. Bits are used to represent information and perform calculations in digital systems.
Synonyms
binary digit, digital unit.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| bits |
Commonly used in informal or everyday language to refer to the smallest unit of data in computing, comprising of a 0 or 1.
|
| binary digit |
Used in more formal, technical, or academic contexts to describe the fundamental unit of information in digital communications and electronics, representing a 0 or 1.
|
| digital unit |
Encountered in contexts discussing measurements or quantities in digital technology, but less specific than 'binary digit' or 'bits'. Often used in broader conceptual discussions of digital information.
|
Examples of usage
- Each character in a text document is represented by a series of bits.
- The amount of memory in a computer is often measured in bits and bytes.
- Internet speed is measured in bits per second.
Translations
Translations of the word "bits" in other languages:
๐ต๐น bits
๐ฎ๐ณ เคฌเคฟเคเฅเคธ
๐ฉ๐ช Bits
๐ฎ๐ฉ bit
๐บ๐ฆ ะฑััะธ
๐ต๐ฑ bity
๐ฏ๐ต ใใใ
๐ซ๐ท bits
๐ช๐ธ bits
๐น๐ท bitler
๐ฐ๐ท ๋นํธ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุจุชุงุช
๐จ๐ฟ bity
๐ธ๐ฐ bity
๐จ๐ณ ๆฏ็น
๐ธ๐ฎ bit
๐ฎ๐ธ bitar
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะฑะธััะตั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแขแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ bitlษr
๐ฒ๐ฝ bits
Etymology
The term 'bit' originated from the contraction of 'binary digit'. It was first introduced by Claude Shannon in his seminal work on information theory in the 1940s. Shannon defined the bit as the fundamental unit of information in a communication system, revolutionizing the field of computing and communication. Since then, bits have become the building blocks of digital technology, enabling the rapid advancement of computers, telecommunications, and the internet.
See also: bit.