noun
nonce
nons
noun
1
A single, specific occasion, used mainly in the phrase "for the nonce."
"We'll use this room for the nonce, until a better office is available."
2
A random or unique value used once in cryptography to prevent replay attacks.
"The server generates a new nonce for every login attempt to stop hackers from reusing old requests."
3
(British slang, offensive) A derogatory term for a sex offender, particularly one who targets children.
"The tabloid used the slang term to describe the convicted offender."
How to Use Nonce
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDepending on context: a one-off occasion, a unique security code, or (British slang) an offensive term for a sex offender.
When to use it
The sex-offender sense is coarse slang, mainly heard in British English, and should be used with care.
Common pairings
for the nonce
a nonce word
cryptographic nonce
Word Forms
nonces plural, nonces plural
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Etymology
From a Middle English rebracketing of "for then anes" ("for the one occasion"). The cryptography sense is often explained as short for "number used once," though that may be a later reinterpretation.