hexadecimal

[ hek-suh-des-uh-muhl ]

adjective

, Computers, Mathematics.

1. Also of or relating to a numbering system that uses 16 as the radix, employing the numerals 0 through 9 and representing digits greater than 9 with the letters A through F.
2. relating to or encoded in a hexadecimal system, especially for use by a digital computer.

hexadecimal

/ ˌhɛksəˈdɛsɪməl /

adjective

1. relating to or using a number system whose base is 16 rather than 10

noun

1. a number system having a base 16; the symbols for the numbers 0–9 are the same as those used in the decimal system, and the numbers 10–15 are usually represented by the letters A–F. The system is used as a convenient way of representing the internal binary code of a computer

hexadecimal

/ hĕk′sə-dĕs′ə-məl /

1. Of, relating to, or based on the number 16.
2. ◆ The hexadecimal number system is a way of representing numbers where each successive digit or number represents a multiple of a power of 16. It uses the digits 0–9 plus the letters A, B, C, D, E, and F to represent the decimal values 10–15. For example, 4B7E represents (4 × 16 ³) + (11 × 16 ²) + (7 × 16 ¹) + (15 × 16 ⁰), or 19,327 in the decimal system.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hexadecimal¹

First recorded in 1955–60; hexa- + decimal

Example Sentences

Practically the entire tech industry seems to agree that hexadecimal passwords need to die, and that the best way to replace them is with the cryptographic keys that have come to be known as passkeys.

From The Verge

On iOS and Android, where typing your long hexadecimal password is a hassle, password managers are an easy win, and both OSes have done a good job turning them into a two-tap process.

From The Verge

Answer Man is innumerate in all major numbering systems — Roman, Arabic, hexadecimal — and not so hot in Latin, either.

From Washington Post

Mining or “minting” fresh crypto involves constructing and operating huge, linked computer “rigs” to determine a 64-digit hexadecimal “hash” number based on increasingly complex algorithms — essentially guessing trillions of possible random answers.

From Washington Times

In fact, it was saved in hexadecimal format — despite the fact that packet captures use binary code.

From Salon