ENGLISH
REFERENCE

digital

adj. · n.
US //ˈdɪdʒətəɫ// UK //dˈɪdʒɪtəl// dig·i·tal
  1. 1 computer technology (adj.)
    A2 Elementary Computing

    using computer technology or the internet to store or show information.

    relating to or using computer technology, especially the internet and electronic devices.

    Example

    Most people prefer digital cameras over old film cameras because they are easier to use.

    Example

    The company is undergoing a massive digital transformation to move all its physical records into a secure cloud-based system.
  2. 2 discrete data (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Science

    showing information as a series of numbers, like 0 and 1, instead of a continuous signal.

    representing data as a series of discrete values, typically binary, rather than as a continuous physical quantity.

    Example

    A digital clock shows the time in numbers rather than using moving hands.

    Example

    Digital signals are generally more resistant to noise and interference than their analog counterparts during long-distance transmission.
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  1. 3 relating to fingers (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Medicine

    having to do with your fingers or toes.

    relating to or performed with the fingers or toes.

    Example

    The doctor performed a digital exam to check the patient's injury.

    Example

    The surgeon demonstrated high levels of digital dexterity while performing the delicate procedure on the infant's hand.
  2. 4 a finger (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Humorous Informal

    a funny or informal way to say 'finger'.

    a finger or toe. Used as a humorous or informal synonym for a digit.

    Example

    He accidentally hit his digital with the hammer while trying to fix the shelf.

    Example

    Keep your digitals away from the blade while the machine is in operation if you want to keep them all.
  3. 5 piano key (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Music

    one of the keys on a piano or a similar musical instrument.

    a key of a keyboard instrument, such as a piano or organ.

    Example

    The pianist's fingers flew across the digitals during the fast part of the song.

    Example

    The ivory on the old piano's digitals had begun to yellow and crack after decades of neglect in the damp basement.
Origin

Borrowed from Latin digitālis, from digitus (“finger, toe”) + -alis (“-al”), equivalent to digit + -al. Doublet of digitalis.

Word family
Idioms1 entry

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