What do alphanumeric mean Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈælfaˌnjuːmɛrɪk/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A combination of alphanumeric characters, including letters (A-Z, a-z) and numbers (0-9), used to represent information in computing and other systems.

Examples

• The username must be alphanumeric and at least 6 characters long.
• The product code is an alphanumeric string used for tracking.

Synonyms

• Alpha-numeric
• Mixed character

Antonyms

• Alphabetic
• Numeric

Additional Information

The use of alphanumeric characters is essential in computing, as it provides a way to represent and process large amounts of data efficiently. Alphanumeric strings are commonly used in passwords, usernames, and product codes. They are also used in data validation and error checking to ensure that input data meets specific criteria.

In addition to computing, alphanumeric characters are used in various fields, including mathematics, science, and engineering, to represent complex data and formulas.

The use of alphanumeric characters has become increasingly important with the growth of digital technology and the need for efficient data representation and processing.

Etymology

The term “alphanumeric” is derived from the combination of the words “alphabet” and “numeric”, referring to the mixture of letters and numbers used to represent information.

Usage Notes

When using alphanumeric characters, it’s essential to ensure that the input data meets the specified format and criteria to avoid errors and data corruption.

Cultural References

The use of alphanumeric characters has been featured in various sci-fi movies and TV shows, such as “The Matrix” and “Mr. Robot”, where they are often used to represent complex data and codes.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• “Alphanumeric soup” – a complex mixture of letters and numbers.

Related Words or Phrases

• Alphabetic
• Numeric
• Hexadecimal

Collocations

• Alphanumeric code
• Alphanumeric string
• Alphanumeric character

Frequency of Use

The term “alphanumeric” is commonly used in technical and computing contexts, with a moderate frequency of use in general language.

Common Misspellings

• Alphanumericc
• Alfanumeric
• Alphnumeric