alphanumeric

[ al-fuh-noo-mer-ik, -nyoo- ]

adjective

, Computers.

1. (of a set of characters) including letters, numbers, and, often, special characters, as punctuation marks:

   alphanumeric code.

alphanumeric

/ ˌælfənjuːˈmɛrɪk; ˌælfəˈmɛrɪk /

adjective

1. (of a character set, code, or file of data) consisting of alphabetical and numerical symbols

Derived Forms

• ˌalphanuˈmerically, adverb

Other Words From

• alpha·nu·meri·cal·ly alpha·meri·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of alphanumeric¹

First recorded in 1950–55; alpha(bet) + numeric(al)

Example Sentences

This, said the expert, would have been armed by a signal, something called an alphanumeric text message.

From BBC

In ruling for Overington, Judge Gregory Williams rejected the DMV’s arguments that the alphanumeric combination of letters and numbers on vanity plates constitutes “government speech” and can be regulated as officials see fit.

From Seattle Times

“Do you know how many different combinations there are in a sixteen-character alphanumeric code?”

From Literature

The sequence of the number may be alphanumeric, which means that it contains both letters and numbers.

From Encyclopedia.com

While it will no longer give alphanumeric ESG scores, the agency made clear that ESG “will remain integral to our reports” and will continue to take such factors into consideration.

From Washington Times