bandwidth

Etymology

band + width

noun

1. The width, usually measured in hertz, of a frequency band.
   But now is a good time to be bargaining for bandwidth, as the switch from analogue to digital television is freeing up space. October 30 2010, Jim Giles, “Jammed!”, in New Scientist
2. (of a signal) The width of the smallest frequency band within which the signal can fit.
3. (networking, informal) The rate of data flow in digital networks typically measured in bits per second; the bitrate.
   While comm buoys allow rapid transmission, there is a finite amount of bandwidth available. Given that trillions of people may be trying to pass a message through a given buoy at any one time, access to the network is parceled out on priority tiers. 2008, BioWare, Mass Effect (Science Fiction), Redwood City: Electronic Arts, →OCLC, PC, scene: Communications: Administration Codex entry
4. (informal) The capacity, energy or time required.
   I think it's a worthy project, but I just don't have the bandwidth right now.