digital
UK[ˈdɪdʒɪtl̩]US[ˈdɪdʒɪtl̩]
adj
Relating to or using signals or information represented by discrete values, especially the binary digits 0 and 1.
adj
Showing information in the form of numbers, especially on an electronic display.
adj
Relating to or performed with the fingers.
Morpheme Breakdown
digit
al
digit
finger, number
al
adjective suffix
Etymology
The word 'digital' originates from the Latin digitalis, meaning "of or pertaining to a finger." This connection stems from the ancient practice of counting on one's fingers. The Latin root digitus (finger, toe) is itself derived from the Proto-Indo-European root deyǵ-, meaning "to point out" or "to show." Over centuries, the meaning of 'digit' expanded from 'finger' to 'numeral' (from counting on fingers), and by the mid-20th century, 'digital' evolved to describe technology that processes data as discrete numerical values, a logical extension from the concept of distinct, countable fingers to distinct, countable numbers.
Analysis
Structure: digit (finger, number) + al (adjective suffix)
digit (from Latin digitus, meaning "finger, toe") + al (from Latin -alis, an adjective-forming suffix meaning "of or pertaining to").
Examples
The company is accelerating its shift to digital services.
My old watch has analog hands, but my new one has a digital display.
A digital examination is a standard part of the medical procedure.