OCTOTHORPE Definition & Meaning

octothorpe

[ok-tuh-thawrp]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

a symbol (#) used for numerous purposes, such as before a hashtag, for representing “pound” or “pounds” as a unit of weight or mass, for representing “number” or “numbered,” or as a proofreader's symbol used to indicate the need to insert space.
Any text following an octothorpe (#) is treated as a comment and ignored.

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First recorded in 1970–75; octo- ( def. ), after the eight endpoints on the perimeter of the symbol, plus a second element of disputed origin

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Examples have not been reviewed.

Consider the hashtag, the “#” octothorpe symbol, which at any instant can connect social media users with up-to-the-moment news or key words.

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Don't worry – almost no one knows it's called an octothorpe, and most of those who do don't call it that.

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