Hash: meaning, definitions and examples

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hash

 

[ hæʃ ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

cryptography term

A hash is a string of characters generated from data using a specific algorithm. It is commonly used in computer science and cryptography to ensure data integrity and security. Hash functions convert input data of any size into a fixed-size output, making it difficult to reverse-engineer the original data. This process is crucial for password storage, digital signatures, and verifying data authenticity.

Synonyms

checksum, digest

Examples of usage

  • The password is stored as a hash to increase security.
  • The integrity of the file can be verified using its hash.
  • Hash functions are essential in blockchain technology.
Context #2 | Verb

data processing

To hash means to convert data into a hash value using a hash function. This process involves taking an input (or 'message') and returning a fixed-size string of bytes. Hashing is used for various purposes, including data retrieval, ensuring data integrity, and securing sensitive information. It is a one-way process, meaning that it cannot be reversed to retrieve the original input.

Synonyms

digest, encode

Examples of usage

  • You can hash the data before sending it over the network.
  • We need to hash the passwords before storing them.
  • Make sure to hash the incoming data for better security.

Translations

Translations of the word "hash" in other languages:

🇵🇹 hash

🇮🇳 हैश

🇩🇪 Hash

🇮🇩 hash

🇺🇦 хеш

🇵🇱 hash

🇯🇵 ハッシュ

🇫🇷 hash

🇪🇸 hash

🇹🇷 hash

🇰🇷 해시

🇸🇦 هاش

🇨🇿 hash

🇸🇰 hash

🇨🇳 哈希

🇸🇮 hash

🇮🇸 hash

🇰🇿 хеш

🇬🇪 ჰეში

🇦🇿 hash

🇲🇽 hash

Etymology

The word 'hash' originates from the Middle French term 'hacher', which means 'to chop'. The term itself has been used in various contexts, including cooking and computing. In the culinary context, it referred to a dish made from diced or chopped meat. However, in the realm of computer science, 'hash' began to take on a new meaning with the advent of cryptographic hashing algorithms in the late 20th century. The transition to this new meaning occurred due to the process's resemblance to 'chopping' data into smaller, fixed-size units. The concept of hashing became increasingly relevant as the need for data integrity and security grew in digital communications and data storage. Today, hashing is a fundamental aspect of cybersecurity, data integrity, and information retrieval.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,258, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.