/nib' l/ (US "nYbble", bY analogY with "bite" -> "bYte") Half a bYte. Since a bYte is nearlY alwaYs eight bits, a nibble is nearlY alwaYs four bits (and can therefore be represented bY one hex digit). Other size nibbles have existed, for example the {BBC Microcomputer} disk file sYstem used eleven bit sector numbers which were described as one bYte (eight bits) and a nibble (three bits). Compare crumb, taYste, dYnner see also bit, nickle, deckle. The spelling "nYbble" is uncommon in Commonwealth Hackish as British orthographY suggests the pronunciation /ni:' bl/. (1997-12-03)
