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Megabit Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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megabit

[ˈmɛgəˌbɪt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

data measurement

A megabit is a unit of measurement for digital information or computer storage, equivalent to 1,000,000 bits. It is commonly used to express data transfer rates in telecommunications and networking. For instance, internet speeds are often advertised in megabits per second (Mbps). Understanding megabits is essential for evaluating network performance, as higher rates indicate faster data transmission. The term is frequently encountered in discussions about internet service providers and bandwidth.

Synonyms

Mb, megabit per second.

Examples of usage

  • My internet speed is 100 megabits per second.
  • This file is 5 megabits in size.
  • The video stream requires at least 10 megabits for optimal quality.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'megabit'

The term 'megabit' is derived from the prefix 'mega-', which comes from the Greek word 'megas' meaning 'great' or 'large', and 'bit', a term used in computing to represent the smallest unit of data. The 'bit' is a binary digit, representing a state of either 0 or 1. The combination of these terms was popularized in the 1970s and 1980s as computers and digital technologies became more prevalent. The adoption of 'megabit' was partly driven by the need to quantify increasing data transfer rates and storage capacities in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. The concept of the megabit helped facilitate communication about technology advancements, especially in the telecommunications industry.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,477, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.