hash
hash Lexical Profile
hash Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A fixed-size string or mathematical value generated by mapping data of arbitrary size through an algorithm, commonly used in computer science for security and data retrieval.
"The database stores a cryptographic hash of your password rather than the plain text."
A dish consisting of diced or chopped meat, potatoes, and spices that are mixed together and then browned.
"For breakfast, they served a hearty portion of corned beef hash with a fried egg on top."
A disorganized mixture, jumble, or mess.
"He tried to fix the plumbing himself but ended up making a complete hash of the job."
• verb
To discuss or review a matter thoroughly in order to reach an agreement or conclusion (usually followed by 'out' or 'over').
"The executives locked themselves in the boardroom to hash out the details of the merger."
To apply an algorithm to data to generate a fixed-size mathematical value for indexing or security purposes (in computing).
"The system hashes the incoming files automatically to ensure they have not been tampered with."
To chop or mince something, especially food, into small pieces.
"The chef carefully hashed the leftover roast beef to prepare it for tomorrow's breakfast."
• Rhymes for hash
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From the late 16th century, derived from the French word 'hacher' meaning 'to chop', itself from 'hache' (axe), which has Germanic origins. The computing sense arose in the 1950s from the idea of 'chopping up' data.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.