nonce (redirected from Nonces)

(Number ONCE) An arbitrary number that is generated for security purposes such as an initialization vector. A nonce is used only one time in any security session. Although random and pseudo-random numbers theoretically produce unique numbers, there is the possibility that the same number can be generated more than once. However, if a very large, true random number is used, the chances are extremely small. A perfect nonce is the time of day; for example, 12.5 seconds past 5:13pm on 1/18/2012 can only occur once.

Pronounced like the "nons" in "nonsense," nonce is actually an English word meaning "for the present occasion or time." See initialization vector.