checksum

noun check·sum \ ˈchek-ˌsəm \

Definition of checksum

: a sum derived from the bits of a segment of computer data that is calculated before and after transmission or storage to assure that the data is free from errors or tampering

Recent Examples of checksum from the Web

By tracking the MD5 checksum, which uniquely identifies the original source of a song, Hoffman said that Emusic would be able to track files that were being made available from one individual to other Napster users.

— brad king, WIRED, "Emusic Tracks Napster Naughties," 21 Nov. 2000

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'checksum.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.