nonce

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(Number ONCE) An arbitrary number that is generated to provide a unique identification or for security purposes such as when logging in to a network (see initialization vector). The nonce is used only once and not repeated. Although random and pseudo-random numbers theoretically produce unique numbers, there is the possibility that the same number can be generated more than once. However, if a very large, true random number is used, the chances are extremely small. A perfect nonce is the time of day; for example, 12.53 seconds past 5:13pm on 1/18/2012 can only occur once.

Pronounced like the "nons" in "nonsense," nonce is actually an English word that means "for the present occasion or time."

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• Fixed Times - nonce: present occasion
• Relative Time - nonce: present or immediate occasion or purpose

Look up nonce in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

Nonce may refer to:

• A British and Australian slang term for a sex offender, usually a child sexual abuser. See Nonce (slang)
• Nonce, time being: the present occasion; "for the nonce"
• Nonce word, a word used to meet a need that is not expected to recur
• Cryptographic nonce, a number or bit string used only once, in security engineering
• The Nonce, American rap duo
• Nonce orders, an architectural term

See also

• Hapax legomenon

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