Hexadecimal: meaning, definitions and examples

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hexadecimal

 

[ hɛksəˈdɛkəməl ]

Adjective / Noun
Context #1 | Adjective

number system

Hexadecimal is a base-16 number system that uses sixteen distinct symbols: 0-9 for values zero to nine and A-F for values ten to fifteen. It is commonly used in computing and digital electronics because it is more compact than the binary system and easier for humans to read. Each hexadecimal digit represents four binary digits (bits), allowing for a more efficient representation of binary-coded values.

Synonyms

base-16, hex

Examples of usage

  • The hexadecimal value for decimal 255 is FF.
  • Web colors are often represented in hexadecimal format.
  • In programming, memory addresses are frequently shown in hexadecimal.
  • Hexadecimal numbers are useful in debugging code.
Context #2 | Noun

number system

A hexadecimal is a numeral in the base-16 system. It is widely used in computing, as it simplifies the representation of binary data. Each digit in a hexadecimal number can express a value of 16 different states, making it particularly useful for encoding data in programming languages, computer graphics, and digital communications.

Examples of usage

  • The hexadecimal '4D' corresponds to the decimal value 77.
  • He converted the binary number to hexadecimal for easier reading.
  • Hexadecimals are often used to represent RGB color values.
  • Learning hexadecimal is essential for understanding low-level programming.

Translations

Translations of the word "hexadecimal" in other languages:

🇵🇹 hexadecimal

🇮🇳 हेक्साडेसिमल

🇩🇪 hexadezimal

🇮🇩 heksadesimal

🇺🇦 шістнадцятковий

🇵🇱 szesnastkowy

🇯🇵 16進数 (じゅうろくしんすう)

🇫🇷 hexadécimal

🇪🇸 hexadecimal

🇹🇷 onaltılık

🇰🇷 16진수 (십육진수)

🇸🇦 سِتّ عشرِيّ

🇨🇿 hexadecimální

🇸🇰 hexadecimálny

🇨🇳 十六进制 (shíliù jìnzhì)

🇸🇮 šestnajstiški

🇮🇸 sekstánds

🇰🇿 оналтылық

🇬🇪 ექვსნიშნიანი

🇦🇿 onaltılı

🇲🇽 hexadecimal

Etymology

The term 'hexadecimal' is a combination of the prefix 'hexa-' from the Greek 'hex', meaning six, and 'decimal', from the Latin 'decem', meaning ten. The first known use of the term in the context of number systems dates back to 1960. The hexadecimal system arose as a practical method for representing binary data in a more concise format. With the advent of computers and digital electronics, it became increasingly adopted due to the need for more compact and human-readable forms of binary numbers. Hexadecimal became especially prevalent in the context of programming and web design. Its use allows for easier interpretation of binary values and memory addresses, and it simplifies debugging and system development.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,413, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.