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hash

/hæʃ/  ·  say it: HASH

a fixed-length fingerprint computed from data

In Technology & Computing

In more detail

1. (noun) a dish made by chopping meat and vegetables into small pieces and mixing them together

2. (noun) the symbol # used in computing and on phones

3. (verb) to chop something into small pieces

4. (noun) a confused or disordered situation

Examples

• We made corned beef hash for breakfast.
• Press the hash key to complete your call.
• Hash the onions finely before adding them to the sauce.

How to use hash

Hash has multiple distinct uses depending on context. In cooking, it refers to a dish of chopped meat and vegetables, commonly seen in breakfast dishes like hash browns. In computing and telecommunications, it denotes the pound symbol (#), often called the hash symbol. The phrase 'make a hash of' means to bungle or handle badly. The verb 'to hash' means to chop finely, and 'hash out' means to discuss thoroughly or work through problems.

Common phrases

• hash browns
• make a hash of
• hash tag
• corned beef hash
• hash out the details

Synonyms

chop · mince · mixture · hodgepodge · jumble

Opposites

order · organization

Word family

hashed · hashing · hasher

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse 'hash' (the symbol #) with 'pound sign' or '#' symbol interchangeably, though in modern usage 'hash' is more common in British English and tech contexts.

Nearby in Technology & Computing

framework, GUI, hackathon, hotfix, IoT, IP address

Keep going

How to remember the words you read · Spaced repetition, explained