Digit \Dig"it\, n. [L. digitus finger; prob. akin to Gr. ?, of
uncertain origin; possibly akin to E. toe. Cf. Dactyl.]
1. (Zo["o]l.) 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 finger's breadth, commonly estimated to be three fourths
of an inch.
3. (Math.) 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.
Note: By some authorities the symbol 0 is not included with
the digits.
4. (Anat.) 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.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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