BLIT
\blˈɪt], \blˈɪt], \b_l_ˈɪ_t]\
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/blit/ 1. To copy a large array of bits from one part of acomputer's memory to another part, particularly when thememory is being used to determine what is shown on a displayscreen. "The storage allocator picks through the table andcopies the good parts up into high memory, and then blits itall back down again." See bitblt, BLT, dd, cat,blast, snarf. More generally, to perform some operation(such as toggling) on a large array of bits while moving them.2. Sometimes all-capitalised as "BLIT": an early experimentalbit-mapped terminal designed by Rob Pike at Bell Labs,later commercialised as the AT&T 5620. (The folk etymologyfrom "Bell Labs Intelligent Terminal" is incorrect. Itscreators liked to claim that "Blit" stood for the Bacon,Lettuce, and Interactive Tomato).
By Denis Howe
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