B2 noun Neutral

byte

/baɪt/

A unit of digital information in computing that typically consists of eight bits. It is the fundamental unit used to measure data storage and represent characters such as letters or numbers.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The text file is only a few hundred bytes in size.

The text file is only a few hundred bytes in size.

2

Each character is encoded as a single byte within the legacy system architecture.

Each character is encoded as a single byte within the legacy system architecture.

3

I've used up every last byte of storage on my old laptop.

I've used up every last byte of storage on my old laptop.

Word Family

Noun
byte
Adjective
multi-byte
Related
bit
💡

Memory Tip

Think of a 'byte' as a 'bite-sized' chunk of data that is bigger than a tiny 'bit'.

Quick Quiz

One ____ is composed of exactly eight bits.

Correct!

The correct answer is: byte

Examples

1

The text file is only a few hundred bytes in size.

everyday

The text file is only a few hundred bytes in size.

2

Each character is encoded as a single byte within the legacy system architecture.

formal

Each character is encoded as a single byte within the legacy system architecture.

3

I've used up every last byte of storage on my old laptop.

informal

I've used up every last byte of storage on my old laptop.

4

In most computer architectures, the byte is the smallest addressable unit of memory.

academic

In most computer architectures, the byte is the smallest addressable unit of memory.

5

The cloud service charges customers based on the total bytes of data transferred monthly.

business

The cloud service charges customers based on the total bytes of data transferred monthly.

Word Family

Noun
byte
Adjective
multi-byte
Related
bit

Common Collocations

gigabyte gigabyte
byte size byte size
data byte data byte
eight-bit byte eight-bit byte
kilobyte kilobyte

Common Phrases

megabytes per second

megabytes per second

zero bytes

zero bytes

low-order byte

low-order byte

Often Confused With

byte vs bit

A bit is a single binary digit (0 or 1), while a byte is a group of eight bits.

byte vs bite

Bite refers to using teeth to cut into something; byte is a technical unit of data.

📝

Usage Notes

The word is almost exclusively used in technical or computing contexts. When discussing internet speeds, bits (Mbps) are often used, whereas file sizes are usually measured in bytes (MB).

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse the abbreviations 'B' (byte) and 'b' (bit). Always remember that 1 byte equals 8 bits.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of a 'byte' as a 'bite-sized' chunk of data that is bigger than a tiny 'bit'.

📖

Word Origin

Coined by Werner Buchholz in 1956; the spelling was changed from 'bite' to 'byte' to avoid accidental confusion with 'bit'.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun Usually preceded by a number or prefix (kilo, mega, giga) Plural form: bytes
🌍

Cultural Context

The concept of the byte is central to the digital age and is a term recognized globally across different languages due to the influence of English in technology.

Quick Quiz

One ____ is composed of exactly eight bits.

Correct!

The correct answer is: byte

Related Words

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C1

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C1

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comforthood

C1

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exphobant

C1

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syngraphious

C1

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antecivence

C1

The state or quality of preceding in time, rank, or logical order. It refers to the condition of being prior to something else, often implying a sense of priority or historical precedence.

biscicy

C1

To divide a concept, object, or group into two distinct and often opposing branches to facilitate precise analysis or categorization. It is primarily used in technical or academic contexts to describe the act of bifurcating a process for efficiency or clarity.

malmanency

C1

The state of being poorly or improperly maintained, or a condition of persistent mismanagement that leads to deterioration. It typically refers to systems, structures, or administrative processes that suffer from long-term neglect or faulty upkeep.

misalicide

C1

To intentionally suppress, destroy, or 'kill' a message or written communication before it reaches its intended recipient. This term is often used in specialized vocabulary contexts to describe the interception and termination of correspondence.

ultracedment

C1

Ultracedment refers to the extreme or excessive act of yielding, conceding, or surrendering one's position or rights, typically far beyond what is considered reasonable in a negotiation. It describes a state of absolute capitulation where one party abandons almost all demands to satisfy another.

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