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byte
byte [ bīt ] (plural bytes)


noun 
Definition:
 
1. unit of computer information: a group of eight bits of computer information, representing a unit of data such as a number or letter
2. computer storage unit: a unit of computer memory equal to that needed to store a single character
[Mid-20th century. Probably alteration of bit3 after bite 'morsel', or acronym <binary digit eight]
Encarta® World English Dictionary [North American Edition] © & (P)2009 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Developed for Microsoft by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.
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