bit
bit1 / bit/ •
n. 1. a small piece, part, or quantity of something: give the duck a bit of bread. ∎ (a bit) a fair amount: there's a bit to talk about there. ∎ (a bit) a short time or distance: I fell asleep for a bit. ∎ inf. a set of actions or ideas associated with a specific group or activity: she's gone off to do her theatrical bit.2. inf., dated a unit of 121/2 cents (used in even multiples): the sideshow admission was two bits.PHRASES: a bit somewhat; to some extent: he came back looking a bit annoyed.bit by bit gradually: the school was built bit by bit over the years.bits and pieces an assortment of small items: weird bits and pieces of paraphernalia.do one's bit inf. make a useful contribution to an effort or cause: she was keen to do her bit to help others.not a bit not at all: I'm not a bit tired.to bits1. into pieces: he smashed it to bits with a hammer.2. inf. very much: we've got two great kids whom I love to bits.bit2 • past of bite.bit3 •
n. 1. a mouthpiece, typically made of metal, that is attached to a bridle and used to control a horse.2. a tool or piece for boring or drilling, typically of metal: a drill bit. ∎ the cutting or gripping part of a plane, pliers, or other tool.•
v. [tr.] put a bit into the mouth of (a horse). ∎ fig. restrain: my own hysteria was bitted by upbringing and respect.DERIVATIVES: bit·ted adj. [in comb.] a double-bitted ax.
drill bits
bit4 • n. Comput. a unit of information expressed as either a 0 or 1 in binary notation.