significant digit

noun

: any of the digits of a number beginning with the digit farthest to the left that is not zero and ending with the last digit farthest to the right that is either not zero or that is a zero but is considered to be exact

called also significant figure

Examples of significant digit in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web How many significant digits of these numbers can be trusted? Quanta Magazine, 26 Oct. 2016

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'significant digit.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of significant digit was in 1923

Dictionary Entries Near significant digit

Cite this Entry

“Significant digit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/significant%20digit. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

significant digit

noun
: any of the digits of a number beginning with the first digit on the left that is not zero and ending with the last on the right that is either not zero or that is a zero but is considered to be exact

called also significant figure

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