bit-wise

adjective

ˈbit-ˌwīz
of a saddle horse
1
: responsive to pressure on the bit (see bit entry 1 sense 2b)
2
usually bitwise
ˈbit-ˌwīz
computers : occurring at the level of individual bits or groups of bits (see bit entry 7 sense 2)
Microsoft had planned to change the behavior of the words to function only as logical operators, and it planned to add new operators for bitwise operations.Carol Sliwa, Computerworld, 9 Apr. 2001
It speeds up parity-bit generation and parity checking by performing bit-wise XOR operations on as many as 16 simultaneous data-streams.Tom R. Halfhill, IAC (SM) Newsletter Database, 25 Oct. 2004

Word History

Etymology

bit entry 1 + -wise

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bit-wise was in 1896

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Dictionary Entries Near bit-wise

Cite this Entry

“Bit-wise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bit-wise. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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