byte
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 5The text file is only a few hundred bytes in size.
The text file is only a few hundred bytes in size.
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.
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.
Synonyms
Word Family
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
The text file is only a few hundred bytes in size.
everydayThe text file is only a few hundred bytes in size.
Each character is encoded as a single byte within the legacy system architecture.
formalEach character is encoded as a single byte within the legacy system architecture.
I've used up every last byte of storage on my old laptop.
informalI've used up every last byte of storage on my old laptop.
In most computer architectures, the byte is the smallest addressable unit of memory.
academicIn most computer architectures, the byte is the smallest addressable unit of memory.
The cloud service charges customers based on the total bytes of data transferred monthly.
businessThe cloud service charges customers based on the total bytes of data transferred monthly.
Synonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
megabytes per second
megabytes per second
zero bytes
zero bytes
low-order byte
low-order byte
Often Confused With
A bit is a single binary digit (0 or 1), while a byte is a group of eight bits.
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
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
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