Either of two different incompATible radio-based LANprotocols, namely 802.11b (which speaks DSSSAT 2.4GHz) and 802.11a (which speaks OFDMAT 5GHz). The term was invented by the marketing departments of wi-fi equipment manufacturers. It is, notionally, short for "wireless fidelity", on the analogy of hi-fi for "high fidelity" audio. (2003-09-02)