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Glite Dictionary
hexadecimal system

hexadecimal system

6.5
A system for writing numbers that uses sixteen symbols, 0 to 9 and A to F
  • noun
  • /ˌhɛksəˈdɛmɪkəl ˈsɪstəm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : sistema hexadecimal
  • In the hexadecimal system, the digits A through F represent values ten to fifteen.

Examples

  • The color code #FF5733 is written in the hexadecimal system.

  • Many computer programmers use the hexadecimal system to represent memory addresses.

  • Learning the hexadecimal system is essential for understanding how computers process data.

  • The hexadecimal system is widely used in computing.

  • Can you explain how the hexadecimal system works?

  • Understanding the hexadecimal system is crucial for anyone who wants to work in computer science.

  • When encoding colors in web design, the hexadecimal system is commonly used to specify colors like #FFFFFF for white.

Synonyms

hexadecimal number system
vshexadecimal system
  • Specialized
6.8

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

is the common term for the same base sixteen system
sexadecimal number system
vshexadecimal system
  • Specialized
9.9

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

is the more widely used modern term for the same system
hexadecimal notation
vshexadecimal system
  • Specialized
7.3

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

is the full positional method rather than just the symbol set
sexadecimal notation
vshexadecimal 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 more common modern label for that same base sixteen idea

Surface Forms

hexadecimal system singular
hexadecimal systems plural

Morphology

hexadecimal + system

This is a straightforward adjective+noun composition: if a learner knows 'hexadecimal' (meaning base‑16) and 'system', they can directly infer 'hexadecimal system' as a system that uses base sixteen. The meaning is compositional and mirrors equivalent constructions in many languages, so it is immediately transparent to learners who know the constituents.

Etymology

The term hexadecimal system comes from two parts: hex ('six') and decimal ('ten'), and together they make 'sixteen'. People use the hexadecimal system to write numbers in 'base-16' with digits 0–9 and letters A–F, which is a simple way to show computer values.