# SHA

/ˈʃɑ/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sha
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. cryptography algorithm

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

Stands for Secure Hash Algorithm. It is a set of rules used by computers to keep data safe and verify that it has not been changed.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Secure Hash Algorithm. A family of cryptographic hash functions designed by the NSA to ensure data integrity and security.

- The website uses SHA to protect your password when you log in.
- The developer recommended upgrading to a more modern version of SHA to prevent potential collision attacks on the legacy system.

Usage: Usually functions as a proper noun or an attributive noun before 'algorithm' or 'encryption'.

### 2. astronomy measurement

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

Stands for sidereal hour angle. It is a measurement used by astronomers to find the position of a star in the sky.

For teachers: Abbreviation for sidereal hour angle. The angular distance measured westward along the celestial equator from the vernal equinox to the hour circle of a star.

- The navigator calculated the SHA to determine the ship's position using the stars.
- By determining the SHA of several prominent stars, the astronomer was able to calibrate the telescope for the night's observations.

Usage: Typically used in the context of celestial navigation or observational astronomy.

### 3. UK health administration

noun · CEFR C2 · British English · Formal

Stands for Strategic Health Authority. This was a type of organization that managed local healthcare services in England.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Strategic Health Authority. A former type of organizational body within the National Health Service in England responsible for managing local health services.

- The local SHA was responsible for planning how many new hospitals the region needed.
- Following the restructuring of the NHS, the functions previously held by the SHA were transferred to new regional oversight bodies.

Usage: Usually preceded by 'the'; primarily refers to the administrative structures active in England between 2002 and 2013.

Teaching tip: This sense is specific to the UK healthcare system and is largely historical due to administrative changes.

## Examples

- The system uses SHA to protect your password.
- Developers often use SHA-256 to verify that a downloaded file is exactly the same as the original version on the server.
- While older versions like SHA-1 are now considered vulnerable to collision attacks, modern security protocols rely on the SHA-2 and SHA-3 families to maintain robust encryption standards across global networks.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.