bit plane

graphics (Or "bitplane") The memory in a graphic display

device which holds a complete one-bit-per-pixel image.

Several bit planes may be used in conjunction to give more

bits per pixel or to overlay several images or mask one with

another.

"Bit plane" may be used as a synonym for "bitmap", though

the latter suggests the data itself rather than the memory and

also suggests a graphics file format.

(1997-03-16)