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Glite Dictionary
sexadecimal number system

sexadecimal number system

9.9
A number system that uses sixteen symbols, 0–9 and A–F
  • noun
  • /ˌsɛksəˈdɛmɪkəl ˈnʌmbər ˈsɪstəm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : sistema numérico sexadecimal
  • The sexadecimal number system uses the digits 0 to 9 and the letters A to F to represent values in base sixteen.

Examples

  • The sexadecimal number system is often used in computing because it aligns neatly with binary code.

  • Some programmers still refer to the sexadecimal number system, though 'hexadecimal' is much more common today.

  • Counting in the sexadecimal number system requires memorizing digits up to F.

  • The sexadecimal number system is widely used in computing.

  • Can you explain the sexadecimal number system to me?

  • Many modern programming languages utilize the sexadecimal number system for representing colors in web design.

  • Understanding the sexadecimal number system is essential for working with low-level programming and memory addresses.

Synonyms

hexadecimal number system
vssexadecimal number system
  • Specialized
6.8

A system for writing numbers using 16 symbols, the digits 0 to 9 and letters A to F

is the same system but uses an alternate technical label
hexadecimal system
vssexadecimal number system
  • Specialized
6.5

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

is the specific named form of this base sixteen positional system
sexadecimal notation
vssexadecimal number system
  • Archaic
8.9

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

is the same concept but expressed with a different historical term
hexadecimal notation
vssexadecimal number system
  • Specialized
7.3

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

is the same system but labeled with an alternate classical name

Surface Forms

sexadecimal number system singular
sexadecimal number systems plural

Morphology

sexadecimal + number + system

Although 'number system' is transparent, the modifier 'sexadecimal' is a rare/technical form and not built from familiar, predictable morphemes for a B1 learner (and may be confused with 'hexadecimal' or 'sexagesimal'). The crucial meaning (base‑16) is not reliably derivable from the constituent words, so the overall expression is opaque to an average B1 learner.

Etymology

Sexadecimal number system may come from joining the Latin word sex ('six') and decimal ('ten'), which gives the idea 'six plus ten' meaning 'sixteen'. So it refers to a way of counting that uses sixteen different symbols, like 0 to 9 and A to F.