octothorpe

American  

[ok-tuh-thawrp] / ˈɒk təˌθɔrp /

noun

1. a symbol (#) used for numerous purposes, such as before a hashtag, for representing “pound” or “pounds” as a unit of weight or mass, for representing “number” or “numbered,” or as a proofreader's symbol used to indicate the need to insert space.

   Any text following an octothorpe (#) is treated as a comment and ignored.

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Etymology

Origin of octothorpe

First recorded in 1970–75; octo- ( def. ), after the eight endpoints on the perimeter of the symbol, plus a second element of disputed origin

Explanation

An octothorpe is a symbol that's also known as a number sign or pound sign. When you're jotting down your phone number for a new acquaintance, you might include an octothorpe. Another name for an octothorpe is a hashtag — or you can just use the # symbol itself. While most experts believe octothorpe was coined in the 1960s by telephone workers or engineers, there's no agreement on who exactly gets the credit for coming up with the word, or where thorpe comes from. The octo-, "eight" in Latin, refers to the eight points (or ends) of the lines that make up the symbol.

Example Sentences

Consider the hashtag, the “#” octothorpe symbol, which at any instant can connect social media users with up-to-the-moment news or key words.

From Forbes • Dec. 1, 2014

According to the buzz on Twitter and the blogosphere, the rebranded symbol of 2010 is the octothorpe.

From The Guardian • Dec. 8, 2010

Don't worry – almost no one knows it's called an octothorpe, and most of those who do don't call it that.

From The Guardian • Dec. 8, 2010