hash key

[hash kee]

noun

1. a push button on a telephone or key on a computer keyboard that is marked with a hash mark (#); pound key.

2. Computers.,  hash value.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hash key¹

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

The iCloud feature assigns what is known as a hash key to each of the user’s images and compares the keys with ones assigned to images within a database of explicit material.

Read more on Seattle Times

“If you have an oil asset and you don’t plan to sell, press the hash key.”

Read more on Economist

The Russian word for hash key, reshetka, also means “bars”, as in jail—where those who cross Rosneft’s head, Igor Sechin, tend to land.

Read more on Economist

He might be playing catch-up though, as new UK Macs come with a hash key painted above the three key on the keyboard.

Read more on BBC