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Megabits: meaning, definitions and examples

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megabits

 

[ˈmɛgəˌbɪt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

data measurement

A megabit is a unit of measurement for digital information, equivalent to one million bits. It is commonly used to measure data transfer speeds in telecommunications and computer networking. Megabits are often expressed in terms of megabits per second (Mbps), which indicates the rate at which data is transmitted.

Synonyms

Mb, Mbit, megabits per second.

Examples of usage

  • The internet speed is 100 megabits per second.
  • This file download is measured in megabits.
  • Megabits are essential for understanding bandwidth requirements.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term 'megabit' combines 'mega,' meaning million in Greek, with 'bit,' which is the smallest unit of data in computing.
  • The word first appeared in the late 1960s as technology began expanding and faster data measurements were needed.

Technology

  • Megabits are commonly used to measure internet speed, indicating how many millions of bits can be transmitted in one second.
  • Many service providers advertise their broadband plans in megabits per second (Mbps), affecting how you experience online activities.

Science

  • A megabit is equivalent to 1,000 kilobits, highlighting the hierarchical structure of data measurement.
  • When streaming video or music, the number of megabits per second can influence the quality and speed of the content delivery.

Pop Culture

  • The growing importance of data consumption in our lives has made the term 'megabits' a regular feature in advertisements for technology and internet services.
  • In gaming communities, discussions about download speeds are often framed in megabits, impacting competitive play and user satisfaction.

Psychology

  • Fast internet is often associated with better multitasking abilities, as high speeds in megabits allow for efficient media consumption and communication.
  • Studies show that slow internet can lead to frustration, impacting mood and cognitive performance during online tasks.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,354, 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.