1. (computing) a bit that is used in an error detection procedure in which a 0 or 1 is added to each group of bits so that it will have either an odd number of 1's or an even number of 1's; e.g., if the parity is odd then any group of bits that arrives with an even number of 1's must contain an error
   "The data transmission included a parity bit for error checking";
   - parity, check bit

Derived forms: parity bits

Type of: bit

Encyclopedia: Parity bit