Digit
/ˈdɪdʒ.ɪt/noun
A numeral or finger/toe.
Did you know?In ancient cultures, fingers were often used for counting, linking the idea of physical touch with numerical concepts.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*dǝḱm̥tis
“the root for ten, representing fingers as counting tools.”
Latin
Latin
digitus
“meaning finger or toe, literally referring to counting on fingers.”
Old French
Old French
digit
“borrowed from Latin, preserving the meaning related to fingers and numbers.”
Middle English
Middle English
digit
“retained from Old French, signifying both fingers and numerical symbols.”
Modern English
English
digit
“referring to numerical symbols or fingers, emphasizing the connection between the two.”