bit by bit

bit ¹  (bt)

n.

1. A small portion, degree, or amount: a bit of lint; a bit of luck.

2. A brief amount of time; a moment: Wait a bit.

3.

a. A short scene or episode in a theatrical performance.

b. A bit part.

4. An entertainment routine given regularly by a performer; an act.

5. Informal

a. A particular kind of action, situation, or behavior: got tired of the macho bit.

b. A matter being considered: What's this bit about inflation?

6. Informal An amount equal to one eighth of a dollar: two bits.

7. Chiefly British A small coin: a threepenny bit.

Idioms:

a bit

To a small degree; somewhat: a bit warm.

bit by bit

Little by little; gradually.

do (one's) bit

To do one's part or contribute one's share.

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[Middle English bite, morsel, from Old English bita; see bheid- in Indo-European roots.]

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bit ²  (bt)

n.

1. The sharp part of a tool, such as the cutting edge of a knife or ax.

2. A pointed and threaded tool for drilling and boring that is secured in a brace, bitstock, or drill press.

3. The part of a key that enters the lock and engages the bolt and tumblers.

4. The tip of the mouthpiece on a pipe or a cigarette or cigar holder.

5. The metal mouthpiece of a bridle, serving to control, curb, and direct an animal.

6. Something that controls, guides, or curbs.

tr.v. bit·ted, bit·ting, bits

1. To place a bit in the mouth of (a horse, for example).

2. To check or control with or as if with a bit.

3. To make or grind a bit on (a key).

Idiom:

have/take the bit in one's teeth

To be uncontrollable; cast off restraint.

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[Middle English bite, from Old English, act of biting; see bheid- in Indo-European roots.]

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bit ³  (bt)

n. Computer Science

A fundamental unit of information having just two possible values, as either of the binary digits 0 or 1.

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[Blend of b(inary) and (dig)it.]

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bit ⁴  (bt)

v.

Past tense and a past participle of bite.

Thesaurus

Adv.	1.	bit by bit - a little bit at a time; "the research structure has developed piecemeal" in stages, little by little, piecemeal
	2.	bit by bit - in a gradual manner; "the snake moved gradually toward its victim" gradually, step by step