Hexadecimal
/ˌhɛksəˈdɛmɪkəl/noun
A numerical system that uses sixteen distinct symbols to represent values.
Did you know?The prefix 'hexa-' is derived from the Greek word for 'six', while 'decimal' comes from 'ten', making this term a blend of both systems, historically linked to alchemical principles of balance.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
hex
“six, representing the base of the first part of the term.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
deka
“ten, the base of the second part of the term.”
12th Century
Latin
decimus
“tenth, the origin of the concept of ten in counting.”
Late 20th Century
English
hexadecimal
“a numerical system combining base six and base ten, crucial for computing.”