Hash Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/hæʃ/

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

Hash is a string of characters, usually used as a retrieval key in a database or a cryptographic hash value. It can also refer to a type of mangled or scrambled text.

Examples

1. “The password was hashed for security reasons.”

2. “The text was hashed with a load of profanity.”

Synonyms

1. Garbled

2. Scrambled

Antonyms

1. Clear text

2. Unmangled text

Etymology

The word “hash” originated from the Old French word “hacher,” meaning “to chop” or “to mutilate,” and was first used in the 14th century to describe a type of chopped or minced food.

Additional Information

Hash is commonly used in computer science and cryptography to convert input data of any size to a fixed-size output. It is also used in cooking to refer to a dish made from chopped or minced ingredients.

Hash is a popular component in many computer programming languages, and it is used to store and retrieve data efficiently in databases.

There are different types of hashes, including SHA-256 (Secure Hash Algorithm 256) and MD5 (Message-Digest Algorithm 5), each with its own strengths and weaknesses.

Hashes can be used for hash tables, which are a data structure that maps keys to values, allowing for efficient retrieval and storage of data.

Hashes have many real-world applications, including password storage, data integrity, and digital signatures.

Usage Notes

When using the term “hash,” it’s essential to be aware of the context in which it is being used, as it can have different meanings in different fields.

In computer science, hash is a broad term that encompasses various types of hashing functions.

In cooking, hash typically refers to a dish made from chopped or minced ingredients, often served in a pan.

Cultural References

Hash is referenced in various forms of media, including books, movies, and music.

For example, in the movie “The Matrix,” the character Neo uses a computer program called “Hash” to access the Matrix.

In the book “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy,” the character Ford Prefect uses a device called a “hash pipe” to access information.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

Hash is used in various idiomatic expressions, including:

1. “Hash it out” – to discuss or debate something.

2. “Hash brown” – a type of shredded or diced potato dish.

Collocations

Some common collocations with the term “hash” include:

1. Hash board

2. Hash function

3. Hash table

Frequency of Use

Hash is a commonly used term in computer science and cryptography, and it is frequently used in programming languages and databases.

However, in everyday conversation, hash is not as commonly used, and it is often replaced with more colloquial terms, such as “mangled” or “scrambled.”

Common Misspellings

Some common misspellings of the word “hash” include:

1. Hahs

2. Hahsh

3. Hesh