Definition

Referring to operations that manipulate individual bits of binary numbers instead of treating them as whole numbers.

Example

In programming, bitwise operations are often used for efficient data manipulation.

Conversation

Have you heard about the bitwise operations in programming?

Yeah, I’ve read a bit about them; they seem really useful.

Right? They can make certain calculations so much faster.

Exactly! It’s cool how they work directly with bits.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Bitwise → It is formed from "bit" (a term derived from binary digit, representing the smallest unit of data in computing) and "wise" (from Old English "wīs", meaning manner or way). The term "bitwise" refers to operations performed on binary digits in a specific manner or way.

Memory Tip

Think of 'bit' as the smallest unit of data and 'wise' meaning manner — so 'bitwise' means doing things in the manner of bits.

Visually Confused Words