packet

In networking, a packet is one small parcel of data sent across a network. Packet loss, drop a packet, packets arrive out of order.

Everything on the internet is broken into packets, each carrying an address, sent independently and reassembled at the far end — which is why a bad connection loses pieces rather than everything. Packet loss and latency are the two measures of a poor link. Elsewhere, a packet is a small paper bag: a packet of crisps. Note that in British informal use, a packet also means a great deal of money — it cost a packet.

Also practised as

• nounA small paper or plastic bag of something.