Source : Free On-Line Dictionary of Computing

Hamming code
     
         Extra, redundant bits added to stored or
        transmitted data for the purposes of {error detection and
        correction}.
     
        Named after the mathematician {Richard Hamming}, Hamming codes
        greatly improve the reliability of data, e.g. from distant
        space probes, where it is impractical, because of the long
        transmission delay, to correct errors by requesting
        retransmission.
     
        [Detail?  Connection with {Hamming Distance}?]
     
        (2002-07-02)