code

¹code

noun \ˈkōd\

Definition of CODE

1

: a systematic statement of a body of law; especially : one given statutory force

2

: a system of principles or rules <moral code>

3

a : a system of signals or symbols for communication

b : a system of symbols (as letters or numbers) used to represent assigned and often secret meanings

4

: genetic code

5

: a set of instructions for a computer

— code·less \-ləs\ adjective

Examples of CODE

1. Everyone in the organization has to follow its code of ethics.
2. The army has a strict code of conduct.
3. The enemy was unable to break the army's secret code.
4. The message was sent in code.
5. Every item in the store has a product code.
6. Enter your security code to access the computer.
7. Each employee is given a code number.
8. He was hired to write programming code.

Origin of CODE

Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin caudex, codex trunk of a tree, document formed originally from wooden tablets

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to CODE

Synonyms

canon, constitution, decalogue, law

Related Words

discipline, establishment; common law, legislation

Rhymes with CODE

bode, bowed, goad, load, lode, mode, node, ode, road, rode, toad, toed, woad

²code

verb

cod·edcod·ing

Definition of CODE

transitive verb

: to put in or into the form or symbols of a code

intransitive verb

: to specify the genetic code <a gene that codes for a protein>

— cod·able \ˈkō-də-bəl\ adjective

— cod·er noun

Examples of CODE

1. The general sent a coded message.
2. Each product has been coded.

First Known Use of CODE

1815

code

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

System of symbols and rules used for expressing information according to an unvarying rule for replacing a piece of information from one system, such as a letter, word, or phrase, with an arbitrarily selected equivalent in another system. Substitution ciphers are similar to codes except that the rule for replacing the information is known only to the transmitter and the intended recipient of the information. Binary code and other machine languages used in digital computers are examples of codes. Elaborate commercial codes were developed during the early 20th century (see Jean M.E. Baudot, Samuel F. B. Morse). In recent years more advanced codes have been developed to accommodate computer data and satellite communications. See also ASCII, cryptography.