What does the term 'bit depth' specifically refer to?

The term 'bit depth' specifically refers to the binary value size for pixel color storage. It indicates the number of bits used to represent the color of a single pixel in a digital image. A higher bit depth allows for a greater range of colors, as it increases the number of possible values that each pixel can have. For example, an 8-bit depth can represent 256 different colors, while a 16-bit depth can represent 65,536 different colors, leading to more precise and nuanced color representation in images. Understanding bit depth is essential when working with digital graphics and audio, as it impacts the quality and detail of the image or sound produced.