octal numeration system
- noun
- /ˈɑktəl ˌnjuːməˈreɪʃən ˈsɪstəm/
- Specialized
- You can convert binary numbers to the octal numeration system for easier reading.
Examples
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In some early computers, the octal numeration system was commonly used for programming machine instructions.
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The octal numeration system is less common today but still appears in certain technical fields.
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The octal numeration system is used in some computer programming languages.
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Can you explain the octal numeration system to me?
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In some early computers, the octal numeration system was commonly used for programming machine instructions.
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The octal numeration system is less common today but still appears in certain technical fields.
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You can convert binary numbers to the octal numeration system for easier reading.
Synonyms
A way to write numbers using eight digits 0 to 7
A number system that uses eight digits 0 to 7
Surface Forms
Morphology
octal + numeration + system
The phrase is fully compositional: 'octal' specifies base eight, 'numeration' relates to counting/numbering, and 'system' indicates an organized method—together clearly denote a base‑8 numbering system. This is a technical but transparent formation (and parallels exist in other languages), so a learner who knows the constituent meanings will be able to infer the MWE's meaning.
Etymology
Octal numeration system is a numeration system built on octal, which means 'eight'. It uses only the digits 0 to 7, so after 7 you add one and start again in the next place — that's why it is a 'base-eight' way to write numbers, used for example in some older computers.