What does hamming mean?
Hamming is a technical noun used in computing and mathematics for the number of positions in which two equally long sequences differ. It is especially associated with Hamming distance, a simple way of measuring the dissimilarity between binary strings, vectors, or code words. A hamming distance of zero means that the sequences are identical, while a larger value indicates more differences. The concept is useful in error detection, data comparison, coding theory, and pattern analysis, although more sophisticated measures may be preferable when the compared items are not the same length or when the positions of differences matter. The terminology is internationally understood, but it belongs mainly to specialized technical registers rather than everyday English. Named concepts such as Hamming distance, Hamming code, and Hamming weight capitalize the surname of Richard Hamming, whose work on error-detecting and error-correcting codes helped establish modern digital communication.
nounIn computing and mathematics, the number of positions at which two equally long sequences, strings, or vectors differ. The term can also refer more broadly to measuring or calculating this difference.
- The number of positions at which two equally long sequences, strings, or vectors differ; also, the process or measure of calculating that difference.
"The hamming between the two encoded messages was two."
"The hamming between the two code words was two."
"The algorithm calculates the hamming between each pair of binary vectors."
Rare and usually unnecessary; hamming is commonly used as an uncountable technical noun.
"The program compares the two vectors and reports their hammings."
Hamming turns a simple question—how different are these two sequences?—into a single number.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hamming come from?
The word hamming is an eponymic derivative of the surname Hamming, borne by American mathematician and engineer Richard Hamming. Concepts such as Hamming distance and Hamming code are named for him. In lowercase use, hamming refers to the distance or to the process of measuring it, while capitalized named concepts retain the conventional proper-name form.
How hamming is actually used
This is primarily technical vocabulary in computing, coding theory, and mathematics. It is usually discussed in the context of Hamming distance, Hamming code, or Hamming weight; the capitalized forms are named after Richard Hamming and follow conventional proper-name usage.