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Nibble - Definition and Overview |
| Related Words: Bolus, Champ, Chaw, Chew, Chomp, Cud, Gob, Grind, Gum, Line, Mouth |
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In computing, a nibble (often spelled nybble) is 4 bits, or half an octet (an 8-bit byte). Being four bits, there are sixteen (24) possible values, so a nibble corresponds to a single hexadecimal digit (thus, it is often referred to as a "hex digit"). A full byte is represented by two hexadecimal digits; therefore, it is common to display a byte of information as two nibbles.
The term nibble originates from the fact that the term byte is a play on the English word bite. A nibble is a small bite, or half a bite. The nybble spelling parallels the spelling of byte.
In earlier times, when computer storage was at a premium, the practice of optimizing memory at the expense of faster processing was known as nybble byting or byte nybbling.
See also
Nibbles is the name of a video game that is present on many modern mobile phones.
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Example Usage of Nibble |
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rgoodchild: @niceties @amiemccarron my cat LOVES broccolli. she'll Nibble it cooked or raw :) |
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SquirrelQueen: Yes, I did eat brunch. Am I eager to Nibble again already? Yes, thanks for asking. |
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redskinsffr: Injury bug continues to Nibble at 'Skins http://bit.ly/4NIqpV #washington #redskins |
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