digit

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   one of the elements that collectively form a system of numeration

   0 and 1 are digits.

2. 2
   noun

   A position in a sequence of numerals representing a place value in a positional number system.

   The base-10 number 123.4 has four digits: the hundreds digit is 1, the tens digit is 2, the units digit is 3, and the tenths digit is 4.

3. 3
   noun

   A distinct symbol representing a natural number in a positional number system.

   Hexadecimal numeration (Base sixteen) includes the digits 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 but also A (=10 decimal), B, C, D, E, and F. Sixteen itself is written as the two-digit number 10.

4. 4
   noun

   ¹⁄₁₂ the apparent diameter of the sun or moon, (chiefly) as a measure of the totality of an eclipse.

   A six-digit eclipse covers half the lunar surface.

Simplified etymology

Digit entered English in the late Middle Ages from Latin digitus, meaning “finger” or “toe.” Because people count on their fingers, the word developed its numerical sense.

From Middle English digit, from Latin digitus (“a finger; a number”). Doublet of digitus and dedo.

Topics

External links

• Google Images
• Cambridge Dictionary
• Wiktionary