<storage, communications> An extra bit added to a byte or
word to reveal errors in storage (in RAM or disk) or
transmission. Even (odd) parity means that the parity bit is
set so that there are an even (odd) number of one bits in the
word, including the parity bit. A single parity bit can only
reveal single bit errors since if an even number of bits are
wrong then the parity bit will not change. Moreover, it is
not possible to tell which bit is wrong, as it is with more
sophisticated error detection and correction systems.
See also longitudinal parity, checksum, cyclic redundancy
check.
(1996-03-01)
Nearby terms:
parent process « Pari « Paris « parity » parity bit » parity error » Parkinson's Law of Data
