Blitter

/ˈblɪtər/ noun

Definition

In computer graphics, a hardware or software component that rapidly transfers blocks of pixel data from one area of memory to another, enabling fast image manipulation.

Etymology

Abbreviation/acronym from 'Bit Block Transfer,' a computer graphics term that became standard in 1980s and 1990s computing, especially in game design and digital art.

Kelly Says

Without the 'blitter,' early video games would have moved at a crawl—this humble computer component literally invented fast game graphics and made the arcade golden age possible.

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