octothorpes

Noun

octothorpe (plural octothorpes)

1. (US) The hash or square symbol #, used mainly in telephony and computing.
   • The pad 1 provides keys for numerals 0 to 9, while the sextile or asterisk (*) key is decoded to provide a decimal point and the octothorp ( # ) key generates a command to send the contents of the memory unto the telephone line through a send circuit 7, a coupling circuit 8 and the hybrid network 2.1973, US patent application ser. no. 05/422,816 (filed 3 December 1973), issued as patent no. 3,920,926 (18 November 1975), Telephone Data Set Including Visual Display Means, col. 3

   Synonyms:

   hash, hashtag, number sign, octothorn, pound sign