Word
hex
US/ˈhɛks/
UK/hˈɛks/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a magic spell that is meant to bring bad luck or trouble to someone. In computing, it is also a short way to say 'hexadecimal', which is a system for writing numbers using sixteen symbols.
n. a magic spell or curse intended to cause misfortune; in technical contexts, a shortened form of 'hexadecimal' referring to a base-16 numbering system. Often used in informal or supernatural contexts to describe a persistent streak of bad luck.
Examples
“She believed a rival had put a hex on her business.”
“The programmer spent hours looking at the raw hex data to find the error in the file's header.”
“Whether viewed as a literal hex cast by a vengeful spirit or merely a series of unfortunate coincidences, the family's sudden decline in fortune became the talk of the village.”
Examples
simple
“She believed a rival had put a hex on her business.”
contextual
“The programmer spent hours looking at the raw hex data to find the error in the file's header.”
complex
“Whether viewed as a literal hex cast by a vengeful spirit or merely a series of unfortunate coincidences, the family's sudden decline in fortune became the talk of the village.”
Usage
In its supernatural sense, it is often used with the verb 'to put' or 'to cast'. In computing, it is frequently used as a modifier before other nouns like 'code' or 'editor'.
Real-World Examples
“Villa’s supposed hex about playing in front of the empty North Stand was put to bed as they scored three times at the end of the ground that is being redeveloped this winter.” “And also why it has felt wrong to gush too soon about Max Dowman, to fear placing the hex on him.” Etymology
First attested about 1830, from Pennsylvania German hexe (“to practice witchcraft”), from German hexen (compare Hexe (“witch”)). The noun appeared later, in the 1850s. Cognate to Norwegian Bokmål heks (“witch”) and Dutch heks (“witch”), Dutch beheksen (“to bewitch”), Old English hægtesse (“witch, hag”). Doublet of hag.
Short for hexadecimal.
Short for hexagon.
Short for hexafluoride.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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