hash

hash · noun/verb

imported

Definitions

noun/verb

  1. 1.

    A dish of chopped meat, potatoes, and sometimes vegetables, often fried together.

  2. 2.

    To chop into small pieces.

  3. 3.

    A confused mixture; a mess.

  4. 4.

    (hash out) To discuss and resolve through thorough discussion.

  5. 5.

    (Computing) A function that converts data into a fixed-size string of characters.

  6. 6.

    The symbol # (also called pound sign or hashtag).

Forms

plural: hashes

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    make a hash of — to do something badly; to bungle
  • •
    hash out — to discuss thoroughly until resolved
  • •
    hash browns — a breakfast dish of fried chopped potatoes
  • •
    hashtag — the # symbol used on social media

Related words

Antonyms: clarify, organize
See also: chop, hashtag, mince, muddle
Synonyms: chop, mess, mince, muddle

Etymology

From French hacher ("to chop"), from Old French hache ("axe"). The computing sense developed in the 20th century from the idea of "chopping up" data.