Digit
1. (Science: zoology) 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 fingers breadth, commonly estimated to be three fourths of an inch.
3. (Science: mathematics) 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.
By some authorities the symbol 0 is not included with the digits.
4. (Science: anatomy) 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.
Origin: L. Digitus finger; prob. Akin to gr, of uncertain origin; possibly akin to E. Toe. Cf. Dactyl.
The length of breadth of a finger used as a linear measure.A finger or toe in human beings or corresponding part in other vertebrates.The metatarsals of mammals (the hands and toes).
Dictionary > Digit
