1. A unit of data transmission speed equal to one signal change per second, used to measure the speed of data transfer over communication lines.
Usage: technical; computing; telecommunications

Examples

• The modem operates at 56,000 bauds per second.
• Early dial-up internet connections typically ran at 2,400 bauds.
• The serial port was configured to transmit data at 9,600 bauds.
• Modern broadband speeds are measured in megabits per second rather than bauds.
• The baud rate determines how quickly data can be sent between devices.