# chunking

Pronunciation: say "CHUNK-ing" /ˈt͡ʃʌŋkɪŋ/

## Noun

1. A memory strategy that recodes separate pieces of information into larger units to make better use of short-term memory.
   - Simple: A memory trick that groups small bits of information into bigger, easier-to-remember units.
   - _Memorizing the digits in pairs is a simple form of chunking._
   - _Through chunking, the brain stores 'FBI' and 'CIA' as single units rather than six separate letters._
2. The splitting of memory or data into smaller units to make processing easier.
   - Simple: Breaking data or memory into smaller pieces so a computer can handle them more easily.
   - _Chunking the dataset allowed each piece to be processed on a separate machine._
   - _The upload relies on chunking, so a dropped connection only loses one segment._
4. A way of presenting information that splits concepts into small pieces, using tools like bulleted lists, short subheadings, and brief sentences to make reading easier.
   - Simple: A way of laying out writing in small pieces (short sentences, bullet points, and headings) so it is easier to read.
   - _Good chunking turns a dense report into something readers can scan in seconds._
   - _Web writers rely on chunking, with bullet points and headings guiding the eye down the page._
5. A division method that solves problems by repeatedly subtracting the divisor, also known as the partial-quotients method.
   - Simple: A way to divide numbers by taking away the same amount again and again until little or nothing is left.
   - _Chunking breaks a division problem into easy steps of repeated subtraction._
   - _Many elementary schools teach chunking before moving on to long division._
6. Breaking something up, usually with a hammer or crowbar, to form short, thick pieces.
   - Simple: The act of breaking something into short, thick pieces, often with a hammer or a crowbar.
   - _Chunking the granite required a crowbar and plenty of force._
   - _The chunking of the scrap metal made it easier to haul away._

## Verb

3. Present participle of chunk. — present participle and gerund of chunk
   - Simple: Present participle of chunk. Use this -ing form when the action is happening now or when it works as a noun.
   - _He is chunking the data before running the analysis._
   - _The editor kept chunking the manuscript into shorter passages._

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/chunking (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).