trit

   [by  analogy  with  bit]  One base-3 digit; the amount of information
   conveyed  by  a  selection among one of three equally likely outcomes
   (see  also  {bit}).  Trits  arise,  for  example, in the context of a
   {flag} that should actually be able to assume three values -- such as
   yes,  no,  or  unknown.  Trits  are sometimes jokingly called 3-state
   bits.  A  trit may be semi-seriously referred to as a bit and a half,
   although  it  is  linearly  equivalent  to  1.5849625  bits (that is,
   log_{2$(3)} bits).

[glossary]
[Reference(s) to this entry by made by: {bit}]