bandwidth

band +‎ width

• IPA^(key): /ˈbændwɪdθ/, /ˈbændwɪtθ/

bandwidth (countable and uncountable, plural bandwidths)

1. The width, usually measured in hertz, of a frequency band.
   • 2010 October 30, Jim Giles, “Jammed!”, in New Scientist:

     But now is a good time to be bargaining for bandwidth, as the switch from analogue to digital television is freeing up space.

2. (of a signal) The width of the smallest frequency band within which the signal can fit.
3. (networking, informal) The rate of data flow in digital networks typically measured in bits per second; the bitrate.
   • 2008, BioWare, Mass Effect (Science Fiction), Redwood City: Electronic Arts, →ISBN, →OCLC, PC, scene: Communications: Administration Codex entry:

     While comm buoys allow rapid transmission, there is a finite amount of bandwidth available. Given that trillions of people may be trying to pass a message through a given buoy at any one time, access to the network is parceled out on priority tiers.

4. (informal) The capacity, energy or time required.[1]

   I think it's a worthy project, but I just don't have the bandwidth right now.

• bandshape
• broadband