Definition

Noun: A hexadecimal number system is a positional numeral system with a base (radix) of sixteen. It uses sixteen distinct symbols to represent values, typically the digits 0-9 to represent values zero to nine, and the letters A-F (or a-f) to represent values ten to fifteen.

Usage

The hexadecimal number system is used extensively in computing and digital electronics because it provides a more human-friendly representation of binary-coded values. One hexadecimal digit directly corresponds to four binary digits (bits).

Examples

• In the hexadecimal number system, the decimal number 255 is represented as 'FF'.
• Programmers often use the hexadecimal number system to specify memory addresses and color codes in web design.
• The value in the hexadecimal number system is equivalent to 6719 in the decimal system.

Advanced Usage

• "to be represented in hexadecimal": To be expressed using the base-16 system.
  • The error code was represented in hexadecimal, so I had to convert it to decimal to understand it.
• "hexadecimal notation": The method of writing numbers using the hexadecimal system.
  • The manual required reading values in hexadecimal notation.

Variants and Related Words

• Hexadecimal (adj): Of, relating to, or using the base-16 number system.
  • A hexadecimal value.
• Hex (n, informal): A common abbreviation for a hexadecimal number.
  • What's the hex code for that blue color?
• Base-16 system (n): A synonym for the hexadecimal number system.

Synonyms

• Hex system
• Base-16 system
• Sexadecimal system (rarely used)

Related Phrases

• Hexadecimal digit: One of the sixteen symbols (0-9, A-F) used in the system.
• Hexadecimal expansion: The representation of a number in the hexadecimal system.

Noun

1. a positional system of numeration that uses hexadecimal digits and a radix of sixteen