token
token Lexical Profile
token Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A thing serving as a visible or tangible representation of a fact, quality, feeling, or authority.
"Please accept this handwritten note as a small token of our appreciation for your generous help."
A small, stamped piece of metal or plastic used as a substitute for currency to operate machines, access services, or exchange for goods.
"She purchased a brass token at the kiosk to operate the arcade machine."
In computing and cryptography, a discrete sequence of characters representing a basic unit in a programming language, or a digital asset representing value or utility on a blockchain.
"The security system required a hardware token to generate the necessary two-factor authentication code."
Word Nuance & Usage
When used as an adjective, 'token' often carries a critical connotation, implying that an action, gesture, or inclusion is merely superficial or done to fulfill a requirement rather than reflecting genuine intent.
• Rhymes for token
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'tācn' meaning 'sign, symbol, or evidence', of Germanic origin. It is related to the Dutch 'teken' and German 'Zeichen', and shares an ancient root with the English word 'teach'.