Category:Digit

Dig"it, n. Etym: [L. digitus finger; prob. akin to Gr. toe. Cf. Dactyl.]

1. (Zoöl.)

Defn: One of the terminal divisions of a limb appendage; a finger or toe. The ruminants have the "cloven foot," i. e., two hoofed digits on each foot. Owen.

2. A finger's breadth, commonly estimated to be three fourths of an inch.

3. (Math.)

Defn: One of the ten figures or symbols, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, by which all numbers are expressed; -- so called because of the use of the fingers in counting and computing.

Note: By some authorities the symbol 0 is not included with the digits.

4. (Anat.)

Defn: One twelfth part of the diameter of the sun or moon; -- a term used to express the quantity of an eclipse; as, an eclipse of eight digits is one which hides two thirds of the diameter of the disk.

digit Dig"it, v. t.

Defn: To point at or out with the finger. [R.]