Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
octal number system

octal number system

7.7
A way to write numbers using eight digits 0 to 7
  • noun
  • /ˈɑktəl ˈnʌmbər ˈsɪstəm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : sistema de numeración octal
  • The octal number system uses digits from 0 to 7.

Examples

  • In the octal number system, the digits range from 0 to 7, making it distinct from the decimal system.

  • Early computers often used the octal number system to simplify binary data representation.

  • In the octal number system, the number nine does not exist.

  • Learning the octal number system can be helpful for understanding low-level programming.

  • Have you heard of the octal number system?

  • Early computers often used the octal number system to simplify binary data representation.

  • Understanding the octal number system can aid in grasping how computers process numerical data.

Synonyms

octal numeration system
vsoctal number system
  • Specialized
6.8

A way of writing numbers that counts in groups of eight using the digits 0 to 7

has identical meaning but is a variant phrasing of the same term
octal notation
vsoctal number system
  • Specialized
8.2

A number system that uses eight digits 0 to 7

refers to the broader counting system rather than just its written form

Surface Forms

octal number system singular
octal number systems plural

Morphology

octal + number + system

The phrase is fully compositional: 'octal' specifies the base (eight), and 'number system' denotes a system of numeration, so the meaning 'a numeral system using base eight (digits 0–7)' is directly derivable from the parts. This adjectival + noun composition is literal and occurs cross-linguistically (e.g., Spanish/French cognates), so a B1 learner who knows the constituent words would understand it.

Etymology

Octal number system comes from the word octal, which means 'eight', so it counts in groups of eight and uses only the digits '0' to '7', not '8' or '9'.