cipher

¹ci·pher

noun, often attributive \ˈsī-fər\

Definition of CIPHER

1

a : zero 1a b : one that has no weight, worth, or influence : nonentity

2

a : a method of transforming a text in order to conceal its meaning — compare code 3b b : a message in code

3

: arabic numeral

4

: a combination of symbolic letters; especially : the interwoven initials of a name

Examples of CIPHER

1. a cipher that can't be decoded
2. She was nothing more than a cipher.

Origin of CIPHER

Middle English, from Medieval Latin cifra, from Arabic ṣifr empty, cipher, zero

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to CIPHER

Synonyms: aught, zero, goose egg, naught (also nought), nil, nothing, o, oh, zilch, zip

Antonyms: big shot, big wheel, bigwig, eminence, figure, kahuna, kingpin, magnate, nabob, personage, somebody, VIP

Related Words: blank, void

Near Antonyms: chief, head, lead, leader; celebrity, luminary, notable, personality, planet, star, superstar; authority, superior; great power, party, power

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with CIPHER

lifer