digit

Dig"it, n. Etym: [L. digitus finger; prob. akin to Gr. toe. Cf. Dactyl.] 1. (Zoöl.) Defn: 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.) Defn: 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.) Defn: 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. Dig"it, v. t. Defn: To point at or out with the finger. [R.]

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