Definition

Adjective 1. Consisting of or using both letters and numerals: Pertaining to a character set that contains both letters (alphabetic characters) and numbers (numeric digits). 2. Relating to a system of writing or data that employs letters and numbers: Describing information, codes, or data composed from a combined set of alphabetic and numeric symbols.

Usage

The term "alphanumeric" is primarily used as an adjective to describe sets, strings, or fields that include both letters and digits. It is common in computing, data entry, and information systems.

Examples

• The password must be alphanumeric, containing at least one letter and one number.
• Many product serial numbers are alphanumeric codes.
• The database field only accepts alphanumeric input, not special characters like @ or #.

Advanced Usage

• Alphanumeric Display/Keyboard: A display or keyboard capable of showing or inputting both letters and numbers.
  • The device features a full alphanumeric keypad for easy text entry.
• Alphanumeric Sorting/Ordering: A sorting method that orders items by treating numbers as text (e.g., "item10" comes before "item2") or, in more advanced systems, recognizing numeric values within strings.
  • The default alphanumeric sort placed "Chapter10" before "Chapter2".

Variants and Related Words

• Alphanumerical (adjective): A less common, fully equivalent variant of "alphanumeric".
  • The form requires an alphanumerical identifier.
• Alphanumerics (noun, plural): Refers to alphanumeric characters collectively.
  • The code is composed of various alphanumerics.

Synonyms

• Alphameric (adjective, synonymous but much less common)
• Alphamerical (adjective, synonymous but much less common)

Antonyms

• Non-alphanumeric (adjective): Consisting of or using characters that are neither letters nor numbers (e.g., punctuation, symbols).
• Numeric (adjective): Consisting only of numbers.
• Alphabetic (adjective): Consisting only of letters.

Adjective

1. of or pertaining to alphanumeric characters