digit Hear it!

digit definition

digit (dijit)

noun

  1. a finger or toe
  2. a unit of linear measure equal to inch, based on the breadth of a finger
  3. any numeral from 0 to 9: so called because originally counted on the fingers

Etymology: ME < L digitus, a finger, toe, inch < IE base *deik-, to show, point > L dicere, to say: see diction

Comments


Do you have more to add? Sign in to share your linguistic knowledge or observation.

Connect with Facebook