digit

[dij-it] /ˈdɪdʒ ɪt/
noun
1.
a finger or toe.
2.
the breadth of a finger used as a unit of linear measure, usually equal to 3/4 inch (2 cm).
3.
any of the Arabic figures of 1 through 9 and 0.
4.
any of the symbols of other number systems, as 0 or 1 in the binary.
5.
index (def 6).
6.
Astronomy. the twelfth part of the sun's or moon's diameter: used to express the magnitude of an eclipse.
Origin
1350-1400; Middle English < Latin digitus finger, toe
Examples from the web for digit
  • Each bird, therefore, has a nine-digit number on its band-room for endless combinations.
  • When dialing from a local phone, use the area code and seven-digit phone number.
  • First, an earthquake is summarized by an easy-to-remember and easy-to-interpret single-digit number.
  • Once you enter in your sixteen digit card number, they will email you the discount code.
  • Also, you double the number of significant digits after every iteration instead of getting only one new digit as in long division.
  • Please note that the inmate's committed name and eight-digit register number must be entered correctly.
  • Conventionally grown produce carries a four-digit code.
  • The innermost or first digit on the hind foot of certain mammals.
  • Yet this increased revenue has not eased economic hardships, which include double-digit unemployment and inflation.
  • By the time he was finished with his experiments, his thumb was the only remaining digit.
British Dictionary definitions for digit

digit

/ˈdɪdʒɪt/
noun
1.
a finger or toe
2.
Also called figure. any of the ten Arabic numerals from 0 to 9
3.
another name for finger (sense 4)
4.
(astronomy) one twelfth of the diameter of the sun or moon, used to express the magnitude of an eclipse
Word Origin
C15: from Latin digitus toe, finger
Word Origin and History for digit
n.

late 14c., "numeral below 10," from Latin digitus "finger or toe" (also with secondary meanings dealing in counting and numerals), related to dicere "tell, say, point out" (see diction). Numerical sense is because numerals under 10 were counted on fingers. The "finger or toe" sense in English is attested from 1640s.

digit in Medicine

digit dig·it (dĭj'ĭt)
n.
A finger or toe; dactyl.

digit in Science
digit
  (dĭj'ĭt)   

  1. Anatomy A jointed body part at the end of the limbs of many vertebrates. The limbs of primates end in five digits, while the limbs of horses end in a single digit that terminates in a hoof. The fingers and toes are digits in humans.

  2. Mathematics One of the ten Arabic numerals, 0 through 9.


digit in Technology


An employee of Digital Equipment Corporation. See also VAX, VMS, PDP-10, TOPS-10, DEChead, double DECkers, field circus.
[Jargon File]

Encyclopedia Article for digit

in anatomy, finger or toe of land vertebrates, the skeleton of which consists of small bones called phalanges. The tips of the digits are usually protected by keratinous structures, such as claws, nails, or hoofs, which may also be used for defense or manipulation. Digits are numbered one through five, beginning with the inside digit (thumb) when the palm (paw) is face downward

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