octonal

A number line shows the octonal counting system.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to the number eight: "octonal" describes something that occurs in intervals of eight, is based on the number eight, or has eight as a fundamental unit. It is most commonly used in mathematical or systematic contexts, such as referring to a numerical base system.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The ancient numbering system was octonal, meaning it counted in groups of eight. (It used eight as its base.)
  • The subscription fee is octonal, requiring payment every eight months. (The fee is due at eight-month intervals.)

Advanced Usage

• "octonal system": a base-8 numeral system, also known as octal.
  • Computers sometimes use an octonal system for representing data. (A base-8 number system.)

Variants and Related Words

• Octal (adj): a more common synonym for "octonal," especially in computing and mathematics.

  • The file permissions are displayed in octal notation. (Base-8 representation.)

• Octonary (adj): another synonym, meaning consisting of eight parts or groups.

  • The octonary classification divided the species into eight categories. (Divided into eight groups.)

Synonyms

• Octal: relating to or using the base of eight.
• Octadic: pertaining to a group of eight.
• Octonary: consisting of or based on eight.

Related Idioms