Meta bit


The top bit of an 8-bit character, which is on in character values 128–255. Also called high bit, alt bit, or hobbit. Some terminals and consoles (see space-cadet keyboard) have a META shift key. Others (including, *mirabile dictu*, keyboards on IBM PC-class machines) have an ALT key. See also bucky bits.
Historical note: although in modern usage shaped by a universe of 8-bit bytes the meta bit is invariably hex 80 (octal 0200), things were different on earlier machines with 36 bit words and 9-bit bytes. The MIT and Stanford keyboards (see space-cadet keyboard) generated hex 100 (octal 400) from their meta keys.
[Jargon File]

Read Also:

  • Metabolic

    [met-uh-bol-ik] /ˌmɛt əˈbɒl ɪk/ adjective 1. of, relating to, or affected by . 2. undergoing metamorphosis. adj. 1845 in biological sense, from German metabolisch (1839), from Greek metabolikos “changeable,” from metabole “a change, changing, a transition” (see metabolism). Used earlier in a general sense of “involving change” (1743). Related: Metabolically. metabolic met·a·bol·ic (mět’ə-bŏl’ĭk) adj. Of, […]

  • Metabolic acidosis

    metabolic acidosis n. Decreased pH and bicarbonate concentration of the body fluids caused either by the accumulation of excess acids stronger than carbonic acid or by abnormal losses of bicarbonate from the body.

  • Metabolic alkalosis

    metabolic alkalosis n. An increase in the alkalinity of body fluids due to an increase in alkali intake or a decrease in acid concentration, as from vomiting.

  • Metabolically

    [met-uh-bol-ik] /ˌmɛt əˈbɒl ɪk/ adjective 1. of, relating to, or affected by . 2. undergoing metamorphosis. adj. 1845 in biological sense, from German metabolisch (1839), from Greek metabolikos “changeable,” from metabole “a change, changing, a transition” (see metabolism). Used earlier in a general sense of “involving change” (1743). Related: Metabolically. metabolic met·a·bol·ic (mět’ə-bŏl’ĭk) adj. Of, […]

  • Metabolic coma

    metabolic coma n. A coma due to disorders of the neuronal mechanisms of energy transfer or due to impairment or deprivation of the energy sources.


Disclaimer: Meta bit definition / meaning should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. All content on this website is for informational purposes only.