Definition

Noun: A set of characters that includes letters of the alphabet, numerical digits, and often punctuation marks. This term refers to a collection of symbols used for representing textual information in computing and data processing.

Usage

The term "alphanumerics" is used to describe a complete character system, typically in technical contexts like computing, data entry, or telecommunications. It emphasizes the inclusion of both alphabetic and numeric characters, and often extends to basic punctuation.

Examples

• The old system's password field only accepted alphanumerics.
• The data must be encoded using a standard set of alphanumerics.
• This keyboard is designed for efficient input of alphanumerics.

Advanced Usage

• "Full alphanumerics": Sometimes used to specify a character set that includes both uppercase and lowercase letters, in addition to digits and punctuation.
• In formal specifications, the scope (e.g., whether it includes spaces or specific symbols) of what constitutes the alphanumerics is often defined.

Variants and Related Words

• Alphanumeric (adjective): Describing something that consists of or uses both letters and numbers.
  • Example: The file name must be alphanumeric.
• Alphanumerical (adjective): A less common variant synonymous with "alphanumeric."

Synonyms

• Character set
• Alphanumeric characters
• Alphanumeric set

Notes on Meaning

The core meaning is a set or collection of characters. While often used interchangeably with "alphanumeric characters," the plural form "alphanumerics" specifically highlights the collective nature of the symbols. It does not refer to a single character.

Noun

1. a character set that includes letters and digits and punctuation