IBM XT 5160 Technical Reference page 403

start bit. (1) A signal to a receiving mechanism to get ready to
receive data or perform a function. (2) In a start-stop system, a
signal preceding a character or block that prepares the receiving
device for the reception of the code elements.
start-of-text (STX). A transmission control character that
precedes a text and may be used to terminate the message
heading.
start-stop system. A data transmission system in which each
character is preceded by a start bit and is followed by a stop bit.
start-stop (SS) transmission. (1) Asynchronous transmission
such that a group of signals representing a character is preceded
by a start bit and followed by a stop bit. (2) Asynchronous
transmission in which a group of bits is preceded by a start bit
that prepares the receiving mechanism for the reception and
registration of a character and is followed by at least one stop bit
that enables the receiving mechanism to come to an idle condition
pending the reception of the next character.
static memory. RAM using flip-flops as the memory elements.
Data is retained as long as power is applied to the flip-flops.
Contrast with dynamic memory.
stop bit. (1) A signal to a receiving mechanism to wait for the
next signal. (2) In a start-stop system, a signal following a
character or block that prepares the receiving device for the
reception of a subsequent character or block.
storage. (1) A storage device. (2) A device, or part of a device,
that can retain data. (3) The retention of data in a storage
device. (4) The placement of data into a storage device.
strobe. An instrument that emits adjustable-rate flashes of light.
Used to measure the speed of rotating or vibrating objects.
STX. Start-of-text.
symbol. (1) A conventional representation of a concept. (2) A
representation of something by reason of relationship,
association, or convention.
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