xor
Low (specialized term)Technical/Formal
Definition
Meaning
A logical operator used in Boolean algebra and computer science that returns true if exactly one of its operands is true, but not both.
Exclusive or; a binary operation that outputs true only when inputs differ (one true, one false). Also refers to a logical gate in computing or a cipher based on this operation.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
XOR is distinct from the inclusive OR (which is true if at least one operand is true). It's often used in programming, cryptography, and digital circuit design.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No lexical or orthographic differences. Usage is identical in both technical communities.
Connotations
Purely technical with no cultural connotations. Understood identically in all English-speaking technical contexts.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency outside of computing, engineering, and mathematics. No regional variation in frequency.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
XOR (A, B)A XOR BA ⊕ BVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “XOR it out”
- “XOR swap (algorithm)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used. Might appear in highly technical IT strategy documents.
Academic
Used in computer science, mathematics, electrical engineering, and cryptography papers.
Everyday
Not used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Core term in programming, digital logic design, and cryptographic algorithms.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- You need to XOR the two bytes to produce the checksum.
- The function will xor the input with the secret key.
American English
- XOR these two values to get the parity bit.
- The algorithm xors each block with the previous ciphertext.
adverb
British English
- The signals were combined xor-wise.
- It operates xor, not inclusively.
American English
- The bits are added xor, not arithmetically.
- Process the data xor, as specified.
adjective
British English
- The xor operation is fundamental to the cipher.
- An xor gate has a distinctive truth table.
American English
- The XOR function is implemented in hardware.
- Use an XOR join for this database query.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- In computing, 'xor' is a type of logic operation.
- The symbol for xor is ⊕.
- The programmer used a bitwise xor to toggle the bits efficiently.
- A simple encryption method can be created using an xor cipher.
- The circuit's behaviour is determined by an XOR gate, which only activates when the inputs are dissimilar.
- Cryptanalysis of the stream cipher revealed weaknesses in its XOR-based keystream generation.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'eXclusive OR' – it's exclusive because it excludes the case where both are true.
Conceptual Metaphor
A toggle switch: flipping one switch changes the output, but flipping both returns it to the original state.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with inclusive 'или' (OR). In Russian, 'исключающее ИЛИ' is the precise equivalent. Avoid literal translation like 'ксор' in non-technical text.
Common Mistakes
- Using XOR when inclusive OR is meant (or vice versa).
- Pronouncing it as 'zor' instead of 'ex-or'.
- Writing it as 'X-OR' with a hyphen.
Practice
Quiz
What is the result of TRUE XOR TRUE?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, OR (inclusive OR) is true if at least one input is true. XOR (exclusive OR) is true only if exactly one input is true.
It is fundamental in digital logic circuits (as an XOR gate), in programming for bitwise operations and swapping values, and in cryptography for ciphers like the one-time pad.
It is pronounced as the individual letters: 'EKS-OR' (/ˌɛks ˈɔr/).
In standard Boolean logic, XOR is a binary operator. For multiple inputs, it is often defined as parity: true if an odd number of inputs are true.