a bit of a/an

: the biting or cutting edge or part of a tool

: a replaceable part of a compound tool that actually performs the function (such as drilling or boring) for which the whole tool is designed

: the jaws (see ¹jaw 2a) of tongs or pincers

: to put part of a bridle in the mouth of (a horse) : to put a bit (see ¹bit 2a) in the mouth of (a horse)

: to control as if with a bit

: to form a bit (see ¹bit 4) on (a key)

: a small quantity of food

: a small piece or quantity of some material thing

: a coin of a specified small denomination

: a unit of computer information equivalent to the result of a choice between two alternatives (such as yes or no, on or off)

: the physical representation of a bit by an electrical pulse, a magnetized spot, or a hole whose presence or absence indicates data