Definition: A kilobit (symbol: Kb or kbit) is a unit of information equal to 1000 bits. It is a multiple of the bit, which is the fundamental unit of data in computing and telecommunications.

History/origin: The kilobit is derived from the bit and utilizes the SI prefix 'kilo-' to denote a multiple of 1000. The term 'bit' was coined by Claude Shannon in the mid-20th century, while the use of prefixes like 'kilo-' for binary quantities became common in the early days of computing.

Current use: Kilobits are used to measure data transfer rates (e.g., modem speeds), storage capacities (for very small files), and data sizes. They are less commonly used today as larger units like megabits and gigabits have become more prevalent.