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Glite Dictionary
hexadecimal number system

hexadecimal number system

6.8
A system for writing numbers using 16 symbols, the digits 0 to 9 and letters A to F
  • noun
  • /ˌhɛksəˈdɛmɪkəl ˈnʌmbər ˈsɪstəm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : sistema de numeración hexadecimal
  • The hexadecimal number system uses sixteen symbols to represent values, including the digits 0-9 and the letters A-F.

Examples

  • Each digit in the hexadecimal number system represents four binary digits, or bits.

  • In computer science, the hexadecimal number system is often used to represent memory addresses.

  • Colors in web design are frequently specified using the hexadecimal number system.

  • The hexadecimal number system is widely used in computing.

  • Can you explain the hexadecimal number system to me?

  • In web design, colors are often represented with the hexadecimal number system.

  • Many programming languages utilize the hexadecimal number system for defining color codes.

Synonyms

sexadecimal number system
vshexadecimal number system
  • Specialized
9.9

A number system that uses sixteen symbols, 0–9 and A–F

is identical in meaning but differs only in the written term used
hexadecimal system
vshexadecimal number system
  • Specialized
6.5

A system for writing numbers that uses sixteen symbols, 0 to 9 and A to F

is the same concept but differs only in the form of the name
hexadecimal notation
vshexadecimal number system
  • Specialized
7.3

A number system using sixteen symbols, the digits 0 to 9 and the letters A to F

is identical in meaning but varies only by the naming or wording
sexadecimal notation
vshexadecimal number system
  • Archaic
8.9

A number system that uses sixteen symbols, 0 to 9 and the letters A to F, used in computing

has the same meaning but differs only by the term chosen

Surface Forms

hexadecimal number system singular
hexadecimal number systems plural

Morphology

hexadecimal + number + system

The phrase is transparently compositional: 'hexadecimal' specifies the base-16 notation and it modifies 'number system', so the combined meaning is simply a system of numbers using base sixteen. A B1 learner who knows the constituent words (and the meaning of 'hexadecimal') can reliably infer the MWE meaning without prior exposure.

Etymology

The term hexadecimal number system comes from combining hex meaning 'six' and decimal meaning 'ten', so think of 'six' plus 'ten' to make sixteen. That's why the name refers to a number system with sixteen values, written 0–9 and A–F.