Packet

Definition

Packet refers to a small container or envelope in which items are packaged or a group of data sent across a computer network.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈpækɪt/
• Respelling: PACK-it (with "PACK" as in "pack," and "it" as in "sit")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈpækɪt/
• Respelling: PACK-it (similar to American English, with "PACK" as in "pack," and "it" as in "sit")

In both dialects, "packet" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "PACK." The pronunciation remains consistent across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "PACK" followed by "it."

Etymology

The word "packet" originated in the late 15th century (denoting a pack or bundle): from Old French pacquet, from pacquer 'to pack', from a Germanic base shared by pack.

Derivatives

• Packeting
• Packeted
• Packet-switched
• Packet-switching
• Packetization

Synonyms

• Pouch
• Envelope
• Parcel

Antonyms

• Crate
• Bulk
• Mass

Usage

• Refers to a small or moderate quantity of something that is packaged.
• In computing, refers to a formatted block of data carried by a computer network.

Related Terms

• Box
• Bag
• Bundle
• Datagram
• Frame

Detailed Definition

Noun

• A small or moderate quantity of something, especially when wrapped or contained.
• Example: "A packet of seeds."

• A collection of documents, often fastened together, on a particular subject.
• Example: "The teacher handed out the study packets for the upcoming exam."

• In computing, a block of data sent over a network, especially one of several that form a larger message or file.
• Example: "The server processes thousands of data packets every second."