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REFERENCE

pin

n. countable
B1 Intermediate Oxford US //ˈpɪn// UK //pˈɪn// pin Archaic General-service Informal Slang

n. a secret number you use to prove who you are, usually when using a bank card or opening your phone. You should never share this number with other people.

n. a numeric password used to authenticate a user to a system, most commonly associated with electronic financial transactions. An acronym for Personal Identification Number, though frequently treated as a standalone noun.


SIMPLE

Please enter your PIN to complete the payment.

CONTEXTUAL

The bank advises customers to memorize their PIN and avoid writing it down on the back of their cards.

COMPLEX

Security protocols require that the PIN be encrypted at the point of entry to prevent unauthorized access during the transmission of transaction data.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage

Often used in the phrase 'PIN number', which is technically redundant but standard in casual speech.

Pitfall

I forgot my pin numberI forgot my PINWhile 'PIN number' is common in speech, it is redundant because the 'N' already stands for 'number'.

Idioms3 entries

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