GIF

J0041050 (gĭf, jĭf )n. Computers 1. A raster-based format for storing files of color graphics.2. An image or animated clip recorded in such a format.

[G(raphics) I(nterchange) F(ormat).]

GIF

(ɡɪf) n (Computer Science) a. a standard compressed file format used for picturesb. a picture held in this format[C20: from g(raphic) i(nterchange) f(ormat)]

GIF

Computinga. a standard compressed file format used for pictures b. a picture held in this format

GIF

[gif] (computer science) graphics interchange format

GIF

Graphics Interchange Format

GIF

(Graphics Interchange Format) A popular bitmapped graphics file format developed by CompuServe. Pronounced "jif" or "gif" (hard g), GIF images are widely used on the Web because the format is compressed and takes up less space.

GIF supports 8-bit color (256 colors), but it gets the most mileage out of its limited colors by using a built-in color palette. For example, the palette for an image of a forest would mostly contain shades of green and brown. If all the colors in the image are within a tight range, GIFs provide excellent realism for an 8-bit format. In contrast, JPEGs are 24 bits. See indexed color.

GIF87a and GIF89a
The original GIF87a and subsequent GIF89a are named after their year of introduction. GIF89a allows one of the colors to be transparent and reflect the background color of the underlying page or window (see alpha channel). GIF89a also supports a limited form of animation by rendering multiple frames in sequence (see animated GIF).

GIFs and JPEGs
Both GIF and JPEG images are widely supported on the Web. Charts, screen shots and technical drawings are typically GIFs, because GIFs use lossless compression, and the text is maintained properly. Photos are generally better rendered as JPEGs, which support 24-bit color, and they can be highly compressed. However, if images are saved as JPEGs with limited compression (users have a choice), text does render rather well (see JPEG). See GIF patents, lossless compression, graphics formats and PNG.

More Shades Than Apparent

At first glance, it looks like the Android robot logo is only green, white and black. Zooming into one of its antennas shows more shades (see dithering).

Even More Colors

The GIF format picks the 256 most used colors in an image. Notice how the colors in the palettes match the two images.

GIF

macrophage migration inhibitory factor

A 25-kD proinflammatory lymphokine, produced by T cells in response to antigenic stimulus, which inhibits macrophage migration.
Gene
MMIF is encoded by MIF on chromosome 22q11.23.
Activities
Cell-mediated immunity, inflammation and regulation of macrophage function in host defence by suppressing the anti-inflammatory effects of glucocorticoids.

Mechanism
Increases intracellular cAMP, polymerises microtubules, stops macrophage progression.

GIF

Acronym	Definition
GIF➣Graphic Interchange Format (file extension)
GIF➣Guy In Front
GIF➣Gauntlet Internet Firewall
GIF➣Global Ill Framework
GIF➣Global Interface
GIF➣Government Interoperability Framework
GIF➣Graphics Interchange Format
GIF➣Growth and Innovation Framework
GIF➣Gestor de Infraestructuras Ferroviarias (España)
GIF➣Generation IV International Forum (nuclear reactors)
GIF➣Green Investment Fund (various organizations)
GIF➣Global Income Fund (stock symbol)
GIF➣Global Infrastructure Fund
GIF➣Governance Interoperability Framework
GIF➣Gamma Irradiation Facility
GIF➣Guaranteed Investment Fund
GIF➣Genocide Intervention Fund
GIF➣Google It First
GIF➣Grey Iron Foundry (Saginaw, Michigan)
GIF➣Gatan Image Filter (device attached to a Transmission Electron Microscope)
GIF➣Guidance Integrated Fuze
GIF➣Gibostad Idrettsforening (Norwegian: Gibostad Sports Association)
GIF➣Gen IV International Forum
GIF➣Gradient Induced Flow (urban planning)
GIF➣General Instructional Facility (various organizations)
GIF➣Guidestar Information Form
GIF➣Global Integration Framework (platform unifying integration industry components)
GIF➣Guinee Airlines, Guinea (ICAO code)
GIF➣Global Interest Forum (Polycom user group)
GIF➣Grace International Fellowship
GIF➣Geezers in Freezers (Simpsons)
GIF➣Grønland Idræts-Forbund (Greenland)