bit1
(bɪt)
n., v. bit•ted, bit•ting. n. 1. the mouthpiece of a bridle, having fittings at each end to which the reins are fastened.
2. anything that curbs or restrains.
3. a removable drilling or boring tool for use in a brace, drill press, or the like.
4. the cutting part of an ax or hatchet.
5. the wide portion at the end of an ordinary key that moves the bolt.
v.t. 6. to put a bit in the mouth of (a horse).
7. to curb with or as if with a bit.
8. to grind a bit on (a key).
Idioms: 1. chafe or champ at the bit, to become impatient and restless because of delay.
2. take the bit in or between one's teeth, to reject control; go one's own way.
[before 900; Middle English
bite, Old English: action of biting; c. Old High German
biz. See
bite]
bit2
(bɪt)
n. 1. a small piece or quantity of something.
2. a short time: Wait a bit.
3. a stereotypic set of behaviors, attitudes, or actions associated with a particular role, situation, etc.: the whole Wall Street bit.
5. Informal. an amount equivalent to 12½ cents (used only in even multiples): two bits.
Idioms: 1. a bit, somewhat; a little: a bit sleepy.
2. a bit much, somewhat overdone or beyond tolerability.
3. bit by bit, by degrees; gradually.
4. do one's bit, to contribute one's share to an effort.
5. every bit, quite; just: every bit as good.
6. quite a bit, a fairly large amount.
[before 1000; Middle English
bite, Old English
bita bit, morsel; c. Old High German
bizzo, Old Norse
biti. See
bite]
bit3
(bɪt)
n. a single, basic unit of computer information, valued at either 0 or 1 to signal binary alternatives.
bit4
(bɪt)
v. Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.