different between nybble vs nibble

English

Alternative forms

• nibble

Etymology

Punningly from nibble (“a small bite”), with the i changed to y by analogy with byte, as if that word had been formed in the same way from bite.

Noun

nybble (plural nybbles)

1. (computing) Half of a byte, i.e. four bits

Synonyms

• hex digit

English

Etymology 1

Probably of Dutch or Low German origin, perhaps from Middle Low German nibbelen (“to gnaw”), akin to modern Low German nibbeln (“to gnaw”) and Dutch nibbelen (“to nibble”), equivalent to nip +? -le (frequentative suffix). Compare Saterland Frisian nibje (“to nibble”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?n?b?l/
• Rhymes: -?b?l

Noun

nibble (plural nibbles)

1. A small, quick bite taken with the front teeth.
2. (in the plural, nibbles) Small snacks such as crisps/potato chips or nuts, often eaten to accompany drinks.

Derived terms

• nibbly

Translations

Verb

nibble (third-person singular simple present nibbles, present participle nibbling, simple past and past participle nibbled)

1. (transitive, intransitive) To eat with small, quick bites.
2. (transitive) To bite lightly.

3. (figuratively) To consume gradually.
4. To find fault; to cavil.

Synonyms

• (eat delicately): piddle

Derived terms

• nibbler

Translations

Etymology 2

From nibble, punning on the homophony of byte and bite.

Alternative forms

• nybble

Noun

nibble (plural nibbles)

1. (computing) A unit of memory equal to half a byte, or four bits.

Translations

References

Portuguese

Etymology

From English nibble.

Noun

nibble m (plural nibbles)

1. (computing) nibble (half a byte)