password A unique character string held by each user, a copy of which is stored within the system. During login an authentication process takes place; the password entered by the intending user must correspond with the stored value before the user is accepted by the system. A good password should contain at least six to eight apparently random characters. Personal details, such as vehicle license numbers or relatives' names, are too easily guessed to be secure when used as passwords; even dictionary words are susceptible to exhaustive search. See also irreversible encryption.

pass·word / ˈpasˌwərd/ • n. a secret word or phrase that must be used to gain admission to something. ∎  a string of characters that allows someone access to a computer system.

488. Password

1. Open, Sesame! formula that opened the door to the robbers’ cave. [Arab. Lit.: Arabian Nights ]
2. shibboleth by its pronunciation the Gileadites could identify Ephraimite fugitives. [O. T.: Judges 12:4-6]