alphanumeric

adjective

al·​pha·​nu·​mer·​ic ˌal-fə-nu̇-ˈmer-ik 

-nyu̇-

variants or less commonly alphanumerical

ˌal-fə-n(y)u̇-ˈmer-i-kəl 

1

: consisting of both letters and numbers and often other symbols (such as punctuation marks and mathematical symbols)

an alphanumeric code

also : being a character in an alphanumeric system

2

: capable of using or displaying alphanumeric characters

alphanumerically

ˌal-fə-n(y)u̇-ˈmer-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

alphanumerics

ˌal-fə-n(y)u̇-ˈmer-iks 

plural noun

Did you know?

Alphanumeric passwords are much harder for a hacker to crack than plain alphabetic passwords, since the number of possible combinations is so much greater. License plates usually contain both letters and numbers, since, for a big state or country, the plate wouldn't be large enough to fit enough numbers for everyone. In computing, the standard alphanumeric codes, such as ASCII, may contain not only ordinary letters and numerals but also punctuation marks and math symbols.

Examples of alphanumeric in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Center for Whale Research said a team of researchers was able to begin observation of the newborn girl Monday, giving the calf the alphanumeric designation J61. —Doha Madani, NBC News, 25 Dec. 2024

The alphanumeric sequence that has been used on the state’s license plates for nearly 45 years is finally approaching its end, and the new sequence the agency decided on will simply turn the existing scheme backward. —Camila Pedrosa, Sacramento Bee, 14 June 2024

What gets reflected on the blockchain are alphanumeric hexadecimal values that humans cannot easily read. —Zain Jaffer, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024

Use a strong, unique alphanumeric password: Some users use the default password provided by the manufacturer, which leaves those devices as primary targets for hackers. —Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 12 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

alphabetic + numeric, numerical

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined at sense 1